Student Assistant in New Media & Digital Culture

Student Assistant in New Media & Digital Culture

Working at the UvA

This is what you will be doing

  • You will be using digital methods (eg. TCAT, Zeeschuimer, YouTube Data Tools) to explore how followers of far-left anticapitalist views are creating content, forming organizations, and spreading political messages through new media content genres (memes, short-form video, podcasts, conspiracy theories).
  • You will produce data visualizations, map issue networks, and provide general “lay of the land” of the digital political subculture of anti-imperialist Marxism-Leninism, sometimes called “tankies.”
  • Along with the PI, you will develop theoretical approaches to how politics and digital culture blend in digital environments through brainstorming, discussion, and potentially through original writing.
  • We will meet every one or two weeks.

Working at the UvA

This is what you will be doing

  • You will be using digital methods (eg. TCAT, Zeeschuimer, YouTube Data Tools) to explore how followers of far-left anticapitalist views are creating content, forming organizations, and spreading political messages through new media content genres (memes, short-form video, podcasts, conspiracy theories).
  • You will produce data visualizations, map issue networks, and provide general “lay of the land” of the digital political subculture of anti-imperialist Marxism-Leninism, sometimes called “tankies.”
  • Along with the PI, you will develop theoretical approaches to how politics and digital culture blend in digital environments through brainstorming, discussion, and potentially through original writing.
  • We will meet every one or two weeks.

All about this vacancy

This is what we ask of you

  • You are organized and a good communicator in English.
  • You understand how to use Digital Methods tools provided as part of the UvA Digital Methods Initiative to produce empirical research.
  • You possess an up-to-date knowledge of new media content genres on social media (eg. memes, viral content,
  • You are fluent in the functioning of popular social media platforms (eg. YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, Facebook), as well as more niche/underground spaces (eg. 4chan, Discord, Rumble)
  • You have exposure to theories and methods of research on new media and digital culture.
  • You are creative, with the initiative to make your own connections and follow your own hunches about where investigations might lead.
  • Knowledge of far-left anticapitalist political content online (eg. Chapo Trap House, Jacobin Magazine, anticapitalist influencers and journalists) a plus;
  • Knowledge of Marxist theory, histories of socialism/communism a plus
  • Knowledge of communist/anti-imperialist/Marxist-Leninist theory/history/organization a big plus!

This is what else we offer you

We will work closely on producing academic work: papers, presentations, and eventually a book project. Other possibilities include organizing symposia, guest lectures, and presenting at conferences.

We aim for a preferred starting date of March 15th, 2026. The contract will be for a period of 12 months.

This is where you'll be working

You will be working on a project by a researcher in the Department of Media Studies at the University of Amsterdam, the top-ranked media studies department in the world. While working under dr. Mueller, you will be part of a large, dynamic network of researchers and educators in the New Media team, including designers of digital methods tools, that produces cutting-edge research on issues central to digital society and culture. The environment is international, interdisciplinary, collegial, creative, and highly collaborative.

All about this vacancy

This is what we ask of you

  • You are organized and a good communicator in English.
  • You understand how to use Digital Methods tools provided as part of the UvA Digital Methods Initiative to produce empirical research.
  • You possess an up-to-date knowledge of new media content genres on social media (eg. memes, viral content,
  • You are fluent in the functioning of popular social media platforms (eg. YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, Facebook), as well as more niche/underground spaces (eg. 4chan, Discord, Rumble)
  • You have exposure to theories and methods of research on new media and digital culture.
  • You are creative, with the initiative to make your own connections and follow your own hunches about where investigations might lead.
  • Knowledge of far-left anticapitalist political content online (eg. Chapo Trap House, Jacobin Magazine, anticapitalist influencers and journalists) a plus;
  • Knowledge of Marxist theory, histories of socialism/communism a plus
  • Knowledge of communist/anti-imperialist/Marxist-Leninist theory/history/organization a big plus!

This is what else we offer you

We will work closely on producing academic work: papers, presentations, and eventually a book project. Other possibilities include organizing symposia, guest lectures, and presenting at conferences.

We aim for a preferred starting date of March 15th, 2026. The contract will be for a period of 12 months.

This is where you'll be working

You will be working on a project by a researcher in the Department of Media Studies at the University of Amsterdam, the top-ranked media studies department in the world. While working under dr. Mueller, you will be part of a large, dynamic network of researchers and educators in the New Media team, including designers of digital methods tools, that produces cutting-edge research on issues central to digital society and culture. The environment is international, interdisciplinary, collegial, creative, and highly collaborative.

Your place at the UvA

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

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

Your application & contact

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

​​Gavin Mueller

Assistant Professor of New Media & Digital Culture

Application
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 13-2-2026. The interviews will take place on ​18-02-2026.

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

Your application & contact

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

​​Gavin Mueller

Assistant Professor of New Media & Digital Culture

Application
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 13-2-2026. The interviews will take place on ​18-02-2026.

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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