PhD in Corruption and Undue Influence in European Politics

Job description

The Department of Political Science of the University of Amsterdam is looking for a PhD candidate to be part of the new project EUcovert lead by Sofia Wickberg and Rosa Sanchez Salgado.

While corruption and undue influence regularly emerge on the agenda following mediatized

scandals such as the Qatargate, corruption within EU institutions – and efforts to tackle the issue – has not received sufficient academic attention. We indeed know surprisingly little about how the problem of corruption has been socially constructed within the EU (why have certain practices been criminalized and not others for instance) and how standards and norms of good governance were built. This is particularly relevant at a time of multiple reforms, with the establishment of an independent EU Ethics Body and the new directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating corruption.

EUcovert aims at investigating the following questions:

• how do insiders’ (MEPs, assistants, European officials) perceive, understand and feel about

corruption and related phenomena such as undue influence? About special interests and practices of grey corruption (including grey areas between, for example, corruption and lobbying, conflict of interests and unspecified concepts such as undue influence).

• how have these representations and feelings shaped existing policy instruments (code of conduct, existing transparency, accountability and integrity mechanism, ethics body, etc.)? And more broadly, how does black and grey corruption shape power dynamics within EU institutions and eventually affects EU governance and policymaking as well as the legitimacy of the EU?
• how are these policy instruments received and used by the target population (EU officials and MEPs).

The nature of the questions presented above require a qualitative type of research in which

interviews with key players, observations and document analysis seem to be a key-elements. We also interested in mix-methods approach, including, for example, surveys or experiments.

What are you going to do

• You will perform empirical qualitative – or mixed-methods – research (e.g. in-depth interviews and policy analysis);
• You will complete a PhD dissertation based on four scientific articles, to be submitted to leading academic journals, or a monograph. Some of these articles will be in collaboration with other team members (including the PIs);
• You will actively contribute to the (national and international) activities of the project, including scientific conferences and networks as well as expert meetings with policy makers and stakeholders;
• You will assist with administrative responsibilities related to the project, such as the organization of workshops or other project events;
• You will contribute to the teaching program of the department;
• You will take active part in seminars of the program group and the department;
• Your primary residence will be within commuting distance of the University of Amsterdam for the duration of the PhD project.

Your experience and profile

• A completed MA or Research MA in political science, European studies, sociology, public administration, anthropology or one of the related social sciences;
• Interest in topics related to undue influence, corruption;
• Training in qualitative research methods (e.g. in-depth interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, policy analysis), and a willingness to develop additional methodological expertise;
• Good research skills, as demonstrated by your MA thesis or other publications/assignments;
• Excellent command of English, with mastery of other EU languages being an asset;
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

In addition, you are an enthusiastic colleague who likes to share knowledge, embraces open (team) science, is curious, critical and eager to learn, i.e. one with an academic attitude.

What can we offer you
The position concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week for a maximum term of four years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of three years, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. We will put together a curriculum which will also include the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international events. You will also be tasked with teaching Bachelor's students.

Your salary will be €2.872 gross per month in the first year and will increase to €3.670 in the final year, based on full-time employment and in keeping with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities. We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. For this position the University Job Classification profile “Promovendus” applies.

We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

We offer an open academic environment with varied tasks and plenty of room for personal initiative and development in an inspiring organization. The Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences plays a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges facing the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

Working at the UvA means working in a critical, independent, innovative and international climate, with an open atmosphere and a strong commitment to Amsterdam and its (international) society.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information?

• Dr. Rosa Sanchez Salgado (Political Science), r.m.sanchez@uva.nl
• Dr. Sofia Wickberg (Political Science) s.m.wickberg@uva.nl

Job application
If this vacancy speaks to you, but you are uncertain whether you meet all requirements, please do apply. Given the department’s commitment to diversity, we strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates, and specifically from people of color, with a migration background, and/or with other backgrounds underrepresented in academia.

Please submit your application by 15 November 2024. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications should be submitted as one bundled .pdf that includes:

• A curriculum vitae (max 3 pages);
• A letter of motivation (max 2 pages, which also includes a short discussion of how you would approach the topic)
• A writing sample such as part of a master thesis or a publication (in case of a publication with multiple authors, please indicate which parts you wrote)

When uploading your application, upload your CV separately (in pdf) and bundle your motivation and writing sample (also in pdf).

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451/ GBC451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

No agencies please.