Have you ever wondered how doing care work shapes people’s political views and aspirations? Do you have experience with quantitative political opinion research? And do you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary mixed methods team? Then this postdoc position might be for you!
Join us to study the politics of care work!
The Department of Political Science of the University of Amsterdam is hiring a postdoctoral researcher in a research project funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO-VIDI), titled “Breaking the Silence: Politics, Workers’ Rights and the Future of Senior Care in Europe” supervised by dr. Franca van Hooren.
European populations are ageing and the demand for senior care is rising quickly. Nevertheless, most workers in senior care face low pay and poor working conditions. Political interventions are required to improve the position of care workers. The aim of the “Breaking the Silence” project is to understand the political dynamics that contribute to (the lack of) such interventions.
As postdoctoral researcher, you will use quantitative research methods to complement qualitative research on care workers’ political agency, mobilisation and representation. Specifically, you will analyse existing survey data to study care workers’ political opinions and activities. In addition, you will conduct quantitative content analysis of the representation of care workers in political debates.
You bring outstanding quantitative survey analysis skills and an openness to other research methods. You will work closely together with researchers using qualitative research methods, with whom you also work on mixed-methods publications. In addition, you will contribute to a policy brief, assist with project management tasks and teach in the political science BSc and MSc.
What are you going to do
As postdoc researcher in this project you will:
- Conduct independent, high-quality survey and content analysis;
- Write academic articles with other team members (including the PI and a PhD);
- Contribute to dissemination activities like writing policy briefs, opinion pieces, and organizing stakeholder workshops;
- Assist with project management tasks;
- Teach courses in the political science BSc and/or MSc programme (for 0.2 fte).
In addition, you are expected to live within commuting distance of Amsterdam and take active part in team meetings and the research environment. Mentoring and support to prepare for your next career steps will be available.
What do you have to offer
You have:
- A PhD degree with a relevant specialisation within the social sciences, preferably Political Science or Political Sociology. (The degree must be obtained before the employment starting date);
- Critical analytical skills and demonstrated affinity with political agency, representation, intersecting inequalities and/or care work;
- Strong quantitative research skills, in particular survey data analysis, combined with an openness towards other methodological approaches. Experience with mixed methods research design is a plus;
- A good publication record or a demonstrated publication potential;
- The flexibility and creativeness needed to deal with potential obstacles and a willingness to try out new approaches;
- Excellent English oral and written communication skills;
- The ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary mixed-methods team.
In general, you are an enthusiastic colleague who shows curiosity and engagement and who likes to share knowledge and help others.
What else do we offer you
This is a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 24 months (with the option of working 0.8fte / 30,4 hours per week for the duration of 30 months). The preferred starting date is 1 November 2025. We offer excellent secondary employment conditions, including paid parental leave and an end-of-year bonus.
The research project in which you will be embedded offers a stimulating and supportive working environment. As project member, you will have the opportunity to attend national and international conferences and events.
