NL
EN

Student Assistant - Democracy & Data Infrastructures

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • 15474
  • University
  • €3,230 - €3,288
  • 11.4 hours
  • Closes on
    08-10-2026
Apply

Student Assistant - Democracy & Data Infrastructures

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • 15474
  • University
  • €3,230 - €3,288
  • 11.4 hours
  • Closes on
    08-10-2026
Apply

Working at the UvA

Help Research Democracy in the Data-Driven Society

Data infrastructures increasingly shape how societies are governed, how public services are delivered, and how citizens experience democracy. As Student Assistant, you will join an ambitious European Research Council (ERC)-funded research project investigating the role of data infrastructures in contemporary governance and their implications for democratic life.

You will work closely with the Principal Investigator and an interdisciplinary team of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to both the coordination of the project and its research activities. Your work will combine project management, research support, and science communication. In consultation with the PI you might take meeting notes, help organize an international workshop, coordinate project communications and the team calendar, update the project website and social media, manage research materials and interview data, or curate the project's public knowledge resources.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how an international research project is developed and managed while experiencing cutting-edge research on one of the defining societal transformations of our time: the rise of the data-driven society and its consequences for democracy, governance, and citizens.

Working at the UvA

Help Research Democracy in the Data-Driven Society

Data infrastructures increasingly shape how societies are governed, how public services are delivered, and how citizens experience democracy. As Student Assistant, you will join an ambitious European Research Council (ERC)-funded research project investigating the role of data infrastructures in contemporary governance and their implications for democratic life.

You will work closely with the Principal Investigator and an interdisciplinary team of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to both the coordination of the project and its research activities. Your work will combine project management, research support, and science communication. In consultation with the PI you might take meeting notes, help organize an international workshop, coordinate project communications and the team calendar, update the project website and social media, manage research materials and interview data, or curate the project's public knowledge resources.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how an international research project is developed and managed while experiencing cutting-edge research on one of the defining societal transformations of our time: the rise of the data-driven society and its consequences for democracy, governance, and citizens.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will be doing

  • Coordinate the day-to-day activities of an international research project: planning meetings, maintaining project calendars, monitoring tasks and deadlines;
  • Support research by organizing empirical data and research materials;
  • Manage the project's website, blog, social media, and public Zotero library;
  • Help organize workshops, conferences, and public events;
  • Prepare newsletters, web content, and other communication materials;
  • Assist the Principal Investigator and research team with project administration and financial management.

This is what we ask of you

  • You are enrolled in a Master's programme at a Dutch university, preferably in the social sciences, media studies, or a related field;
  • Experience with project coordination, event organization, or science communication is an advantage, but not required;
  • You communicate clearly in spoken and written English;
  • You are motivated, can work accurately and keep track of multiple tasks and deadlines;
  • You have an interest in research on data, technology, governance, and society;
  • You take initiative but also enjoy working as part of a collaborative research team;
  • You are comfortable using common digital tools. Experience with website management, social media, or Zotero is an advantage.

This is what we offer you

  • Starting date upon availability, as soon as possible ideally and otherwise 1 December 2026 and until the end of the student year, i.e. 31-8-2027;
  • Depending on study year, the salary falls in scale SA which is between 3.230,00 - 3.288,00 euros gross per month based on full-time employment for a 38-hour working week. In addition, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable;
  • Close supervision and mentorship;
  • A supportive, international research team that values collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and independence;
  • Regular research seminars and informal gatherings that foster a collegial atmosphere;
  • A workplace in the heart of Amsterdam, and a vibrant, international academic environment.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will be doing

  • Coordinate the day-to-day activities of an international research project: planning meetings, maintaining project calendars, monitoring tasks and deadlines;
  • Support research by organizing empirical data and research materials;
  • Manage the project's website, blog, social media, and public Zotero library;
  • Help organize workshops, conferences, and public events;
  • Prepare newsletters, web content, and other communication materials;
  • Assist the Principal Investigator and research team with project administration and financial management.

This is what we ask of you

  • You are enrolled in a Master's programme at a Dutch university, preferably in the social sciences, media studies, or a related field;
  • Experience with project coordination, event organization, or science communication is an advantage, but not required;
  • You communicate clearly in spoken and written English;
  • You are motivated, can work accurately and keep track of multiple tasks and deadlines;
  • You have an interest in research on data, technology, governance, and society;
  • You take initiative but also enjoy working as part of a collaborative research team;
  • You are comfortable using common digital tools. Experience with website management, social media, or Zotero is an advantage.

This is what we offer you

  • Starting date upon availability, as soon as possible ideally and otherwise 1 December 2026 and until the end of the student year, i.e. 31-8-2027;
  • Depending on study year, the salary falls in scale SA which is between 3.230,00 - 3.288,00 euros gross per month based on full-time employment for a 38-hour working week. In addition, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable;
  • Close supervision and mentorship;
  • A supportive, international research team that values collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and independence;
  • Regular research seminars and informal gatherings that foster a collegial atmosphere;
  • A workplace in the heart of Amsterdam, and a vibrant, international academic environment.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you'll be working

You will be working at the Department of Media Studies, and more specifically you will become a member of the New Media team, chaired by prof. dr. R. Rogers. Our international, interdisciplinary research team includes three PhD researchers, two postdoctoral fellows, a student assistant, a lab coordinator, and the Principal Investigator, Prof. Stefania Milan.

The team operates with flattened hierarchies and a strong emphasis on individual responsibility, fostering a collegial and inclusive atmosphere. We value intellectual openness, critical engagement, and mutual support. You'll be encouraged to take initiative and contribute your ideas.

Our shared goal is to explore how data infrastructures are reshaping democracy and governance. We will regularly organize internal workshops and exchanges with societal and academic partners. You'll join a vibrant, collaborative environment committed to both academic excellence and public engagement.

About the Faculty of Humanities

From modern and classical languages, history, arts and culture, archaeology, religious studies and philosophy to new media, digital humanities, and conservation and restoration, the Faculty of Humanities encompasses a broad spectrum of innovative teaching and research. Based in the historic heart of Amsterdam, it maintains close ties with many partners in the cultural sector, society and the business community. In doing so, it forms part of a humanities hub of international standing.
Find out more about the Faculty of Humanities

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

This is where you'll be working

You will be working at the Department of Media Studies, and more specifically you will become a member of the New Media team, chaired by prof. dr. R. Rogers. Our international, interdisciplinary research team includes three PhD researchers, two postdoctoral fellows, a student assistant, a lab coordinator, and the Principal Investigator, Prof. Stefania Milan.

The team operates with flattened hierarchies and a strong emphasis on individual responsibility, fostering a collegial and inclusive atmosphere. We value intellectual openness, critical engagement, and mutual support. You'll be encouraged to take initiative and contribute your ideas.

Our shared goal is to explore how data infrastructures are reshaping democracy and governance. We will regularly organize internal workshops and exchanges with societal and academic partners. You'll join a vibrant, collaborative environment committed to both academic excellence and public engagement.

About the Faculty of Humanities

From modern and classical languages, history, arts and culture, archaeology, religious studies and philosophy to new media, digital humanities, and conservation and restoration, the Faculty of Humanities encompasses a broad spectrum of innovative teaching and research. Based in the historic heart of Amsterdam, it maintains close ties with many partners in the cultural sector, society and the business community. In doing so, it forms part of a humanities hub of international standing.
Find out more about the Faculty of Humanities

Important to know

Your application & contact

Questions?
For questions about the position or department, you can contact us during office hours at:

Project leader Prof. dr. Stefania Milan ([email protected])

Professor

Application
If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application.

The vacancy closes on 8 October 2026. The first round of interviews will take place in the first half of October 2026.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

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.
Read more
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

Questions?
For questions about the position or department, you can contact us during office hours at:

Project leader Prof. dr. Stefania Milan ([email protected])

Professor

Application
If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application.

The vacancy closes on 8 October 2026. The first round of interviews will take place in the first half of October 2026.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.
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.

Other interesting vacancies for you

Other interesting vacancies for you

Don't miss out on your dream job!

Sign up for a job alert and you'll receive automatic updates about new and relevant vacancies.

Don't miss out on your dream job!

Sign up for a job alert and you'll receive automatic updates about new and relevant vacancies.

This website uses cookies

We, and third parties, use cookies on our website. We use cookies to ensure that our website functions properly, to store your preferences, to gain insight into visitor behavior, but also for marketing and social media purposes (showing personalized advertisements). By clicking 'Accept', you agree to the use of all cookies. In our Cookie Statement. you can read more about the cookies we use and save or change your preferences. By clicking 'Refuse' you only agree to the use of functional cookies.