Research Assistant: Emotions and bodies in journalism and documentary-making

Research Assistant: Emotions and bodies in journalism and documentary-making

Working at the UvA

Come join us!

We are looking for a talented and motivated Research Assistant who cares about journalism and documentary-making, has experience with qualitative research methods and data management, and is interested in the emotional and bodily dimensions of media work.

As a Research Assistant, you will support a larger project investigating the epistemic value of emotions and bodies in journalism and documentary-making. Your core responsibilities will focus on research support tasks and your own research practice. You will work closely with the principal investigator, Johana Kotišová, a PhD candidate, and two postdoctoral researchers working on different Central and Eastern European countries.

Working at the UvA

Come join us!

We are looking for a talented and motivated Research Assistant who cares about journalism and documentary-making, has experience with qualitative research methods and data management, and is interested in the emotional and bodily dimensions of media work.

As a Research Assistant, you will support a larger project investigating the epistemic value of emotions and bodies in journalism and documentary-making. Your core responsibilities will focus on research support tasks and your own research practice. You will work closely with the principal investigator, Johana Kotišová, a PhD candidate, and two postdoctoral researchers working on different Central and Eastern European countries.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will be doing

  • Data management (e.g. organizing and securely storing qualitative data);
  • Interview transcription and basic preparation of materials for analysis;
  • Managing ethics review;
  • Managing project documentation and administering project website;
  • Participating in knowledge dissemination activities, such as writing popular research-based texts;
  • Participating in meetings of the project research group; 
  • Helping to design nature retreats for media professionals;
  • Depending on your skills and ambitions, participating in research activities within the scope of the project, such as data collection, data analysis, and co-authoring academic articles and book chapters.

This is what we ask of you

  • Completed Master's degree in ​a social science or humanities field, such as media studies, journalism studies, social anthropology, or sociology;  
  • Good organization and social skills;
  • Solid knowledge of qualitative research methods;
  • Cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research; 
  • Enthusiasm for communicating academic research to non-academic audiences; 
  • Basic knowledge of Wordpress;
  • Good command of English and at least one of the following languages: Hungarian, Polish, Ukrainian, Georgian.

This is what we offer you

  • We offer a 0.2 fte temporary employment contract for the period of 1 year. Based on a positive performance evaluation, the contract can be extended for a maximum of 32 months. The preferred starting date is ​1st September 2026​;
  • The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. The salary is in scale 8, excl. 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end of the year bonus;
  • Excellent possibilities for further professional development and education; 
  • An inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam; 
  • An enthusiastic and professional academic team;
  • Intellectually stimulating discussions with a cross-disciplinary research network, including leading experts in journalism and documentary studies and experts in psychotherapy;
  • The rare opportunity to combine media research with love for nature and outdoor activities.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will be doing

  • Data management (e.g. organizing and securely storing qualitative data);
  • Interview transcription and basic preparation of materials for analysis;
  • Managing ethics review;
  • Managing project documentation and administering project website;
  • Participating in knowledge dissemination activities, such as writing popular research-based texts;
  • Participating in meetings of the project research group; 
  • Helping to design nature retreats for media professionals;
  • Depending on your skills and ambitions, participating in research activities within the scope of the project, such as data collection, data analysis, and co-authoring academic articles and book chapters.

This is what we ask of you

  • Completed Master's degree in ​a social science or humanities field, such as media studies, journalism studies, social anthropology, or sociology;  
  • Good organization and social skills;
  • Solid knowledge of qualitative research methods;
  • Cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research; 
  • Enthusiasm for communicating academic research to non-academic audiences; 
  • Basic knowledge of Wordpress;
  • Good command of English and at least one of the following languages: Hungarian, Polish, Ukrainian, Georgian.

This is what we offer you

  • We offer a 0.2 fte temporary employment contract for the period of 1 year. Based on a positive performance evaluation, the contract can be extended for a maximum of 32 months. The preferred starting date is ​1st September 2026​;
  • The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. The salary is in scale 8, excl. 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end of the year bonus;
  • Excellent possibilities for further professional development and education; 
  • An inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam; 
  • An enthusiastic and professional academic team;
  • Intellectually stimulating discussions with a cross-disciplinary research network, including leading experts in journalism and documentary studies and experts in psychotherapy;
  • The rare opportunity to combine media research with love for nature and outdoor activities.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you'll be working

AHM, as a thematic research school, fosters a dynamic, interdisciplinary and transnational approach across various disciplines. AHM’s mission and profile integrate all branches of research that focus on the material and intangible remains of the past, the reciprocal relations between objects, meanings and representations, and the dynamics of memory. AHM’s research is carried out from diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives: in concept-oriented, object-oriented and user-oriented approaches. AHM’s research agenda is streamed into five Research Themes that cross and connect the fields of heritage, memory studies and material culture: Museums & Memorials, Heritage & Conflict, Transnational Memory Narratives, Digitality & E-Memories, Materiality & Material Culture. AHM is one of the five research schools within the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research (AIHR).

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

This is where you'll be working

AHM, as a thematic research school, fosters a dynamic, interdisciplinary and transnational approach across various disciplines. AHM’s mission and profile integrate all branches of research that focus on the material and intangible remains of the past, the reciprocal relations between objects, meanings and representations, and the dynamics of memory. AHM’s research is carried out from diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives: in concept-oriented, object-oriented and user-oriented approaches. AHM’s research agenda is streamed into five Research Themes that cross and connect the fields of heritage, memory studies and material culture: Museums & Memorials, Heritage & Conflict, Transnational Memory Narratives, Digitality & E-Memories, Materiality & Material Culture. AHM is one of the five research schools within the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research (AIHR).

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application. Please send your cover letter and CV as a single PDF file. The vacancy closes on 2-4-2026. The first round of interviews will take place at the ​second half of April.
For questions about the position or department, you can contact us during office hours at: 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application. Please send your cover letter and CV as a single PDF file. The vacancy closes on 2-4-2026. The first round of interviews will take place at the ​second half of April.
For questions about the position or department, you can contact us during office hours at: 

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

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