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Three Fully-funded Interdisciplinary PhD Positions on Governance by Data Infrastructure

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • 14052
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    31-05-2025
Apply

Three Fully-funded Interdisciplinary PhD Positions on Governance by Data Infrastructure

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • 14052
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    31-05-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Shape the Future of Governance and Democracy in the Data-Driven Society

Are you eager to explore how data infrastructures are reshaping governance and democratic practice? The University of Amsterdam invites applications for three fully funded PhD positions within an interdisciplinary research project led by Professor Stefania Milan and funded by the European Research Council. You will join a team of six researchers working at the intersection of the social sciences, humanities, and informatics. Each PhD project focuses on one of four domains: biometric technologies, digital identity systems, health technologies, or education technologies. You will carry out independent research, contribute to the development of innovative participatory methods, and critically engage with contemporary societal challenges. Core activities include qualitative fieldwork, policy analysis, participation in research seminars, and close collaboration in a dynamic academic environment.

Working at the UvA

Shape the Future of Governance and Democracy in the Data-Driven Society

Are you eager to explore how data infrastructures are reshaping governance and democratic practice? The University of Amsterdam invites applications for three fully funded PhD positions within an interdisciplinary research project led by Professor Stefania Milan and funded by the European Research Council. You will join a team of six researchers working at the intersection of the social sciences, humanities, and informatics. Each PhD project focuses on one of four domains: biometric technologies, digital identity systems, health technologies, or education technologies. You will carry out independent research, contribute to the development of innovative participatory methods, and critically engage with contemporary societal challenges. Core activities include qualitative fieldwork, policy analysis, participation in research seminars, and close collaboration in a dynamic academic environment.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will do

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

  • Conduct independent research leading to the submission of a PhD thesis (article-based or monograph format) within the period of appointment.
  • Actively contribute to data collection, qualitative fieldwork, policy analysis, and collaborate closely with the project team.
  • Present intermediate research findings at internal seminars, workshops, and international conferences.
  • Disseminate research results through academic publications and public outreach, such as blog posts.
  • Support the organization of project-related activities and events, and participate in the Research School and UvA PhD training programmes.

This is what we ask of you

  • A completed Master's degree in, e.g., media studies, social sciences of technology, politics, sociology, anthropology, public policy, development studies, public health, information systems, critical computing, or cognate disciplines.
  • Excellent research skills demonstrated by a Master thesis.
  • You are curious, self-motivated, and enjoy working independently.
  • You have experience with qualitative and/or participatory research and an interest in interdisciplinary work.
  • You are comfortable learning and experimenting with new methods.
  • You thrive in collaborative settings and value diverse perspectives.
  • You stay focused and organised, even when juggling multiple tasks.
  • You are resilient under stress and can keep your cool when things get busy.

This is what we offer you

  • PhD candidates receive a tuition fee waiver.
  • PhD candidates have free access to courses offered by the Graduate School of Humanities and the Dutch National Research Schools.
  • A four-year PhD contract and flexibility in working hours.
  • Close supervision and mentorship, with room to shape your own research agenda.
  • Access to professional development opportunities, including methods training.
  • A supportive, international research team that values collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and independence.
  • Regular research seminars, writing retreats, and informal gatherings that foster a collegial atmosphere.
  • Dedicated travel funds to attend international conferences, workshops, and summer schools.
  • A workplace in the heart of Amsterdam, and a vibrant, international academic environment.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will do

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

  • Conduct independent research leading to the submission of a PhD thesis (article-based or monograph format) within the period of appointment.
  • Actively contribute to data collection, qualitative fieldwork, policy analysis, and collaborate closely with the project team.
  • Present intermediate research findings at internal seminars, workshops, and international conferences.
  • Disseminate research results through academic publications and public outreach, such as blog posts.
  • Support the organization of project-related activities and events, and participate in the Research School and UvA PhD training programmes.

This is what we ask of you

  • A completed Master's degree in, e.g., media studies, social sciences of technology, politics, sociology, anthropology, public policy, development studies, public health, information systems, critical computing, or cognate disciplines.
  • Excellent research skills demonstrated by a Master thesis.
  • You are curious, self-motivated, and enjoy working independently.
  • You have experience with qualitative and/or participatory research and an interest in interdisciplinary work.
  • You are comfortable learning and experimenting with new methods.
  • You thrive in collaborative settings and value diverse perspectives.
  • You stay focused and organised, even when juggling multiple tasks.
  • You are resilient under stress and can keep your cool when things get busy.

This is what we offer you

  • PhD candidates receive a tuition fee waiver.
  • PhD candidates have free access to courses offered by the Graduate School of Humanities and the Dutch National Research Schools.
  • A four-year PhD contract and flexibility in working hours.
  • Close supervision and mentorship, with room to shape your own research agenda.
  • Access to professional development opportunities, including methods training.
  • A supportive, international research team that values collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and independence.
  • Regular research seminars, writing retreats, and informal gatherings that foster a collegial atmosphere.
  • Dedicated travel funds to attend international conferences, workshops, and summer schools.
  • A workplace in the heart of Amsterdam, and a vibrant, international academic environment.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will ework

You will be part of an international, interdisciplinary research team based at the Department of Media Studies. Our team includes three PhD researchers, two postdoctoral fellows, a project manager, a student assistant, and the principal investigator and main PhD supervisor, Prof. Stefania Milan. Team members will be recruited from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.

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, contribute your ideas, and shape your research trajectory, while also contributing to project tasks like data collection and analysis.

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

Organisational unit

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 will ework

You will be part of an international, interdisciplinary research team based at the Department of Media Studies. Our team includes three PhD researchers, two postdoctoral fellows, a project manager, a student assistant, and the principal investigator and main PhD supervisor, Prof. Stefania Milan. Team members will be recruited from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.

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, contribute your ideas, and shape your research trajectory, while also contributing to project tasks like data collection and analysis.

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

Organisational unit

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

To apply, please submit the following documents as a single PDF file:

  • A one-page cover letter briefly introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the position.
  • A current CV (max. 3 pages, no photo). Include your full educational trajectory with final grades (including high school diploma), relevant positions held, and language skills. If applicable, append a separate list of publications (not included in the page count).
  • The names and contact details of at least two referees, including email addresses and phone numbers. One referee should be your thesis supervisor. Reference letters are not required at this stage, but referees should be available to provide a letter or answer a call promptly if you are invited for an interview.
  • A motivation statement (max. 1,000 words) answering the following questions: How does your academic, professional, or personal background prepare you to contribute to this project? Which of the four thematic areas (biometric technologies, digital identity systems, health technologies, or education technologies) would you most like to work on, and why? What do you hope to learn or accomplish during your PhD? We value thoughtful, specific responses that demonstrate genuine engagement with the project’s themes. Generic or AI-generated submissions will be disregarded.

Please combine all documents into a single PDF file and name it using the following format: LastName_FirstName_DATAGOVPhD.pdf

Interviews will take place in the second half of June, with the PhD positions expected to start in September or October 2025. To ensure a level playing field for all applicants, Prof. Stefania Milan will not respond to individual email inquiries regarding this vacancy.

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

Important to know

Your application & contact

To apply, please submit the following documents as a single PDF file:

  • A one-page cover letter briefly introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the position.
  • A current CV (max. 3 pages, no photo). Include your full educational trajectory with final grades (including high school diploma), relevant positions held, and language skills. If applicable, append a separate list of publications (not included in the page count).
  • The names and contact details of at least two referees, including email addresses and phone numbers. One referee should be your thesis supervisor. Reference letters are not required at this stage, but referees should be available to provide a letter or answer a call promptly if you are invited for an interview.
  • A motivation statement (max. 1,000 words) answering the following questions: How does your academic, professional, or personal background prepare you to contribute to this project? Which of the four thematic areas (biometric technologies, digital identity systems, health technologies, or education technologies) would you most like to work on, and why? What do you hope to learn or accomplish during your PhD? We value thoughtful, specific responses that demonstrate genuine engagement with the project’s themes. Generic or AI-generated submissions will be disregarded.

Please combine all documents into a single PDF file and name it using the following format: LastName_FirstName_DATAGOVPhD.pdf

Interviews will take place in the second half of June, with the PhD positions expected to start in September or October 2025. To ensure a level playing field for all applicants, Prof. Stefania Milan will not respond to individual email inquiries regarding this vacancy.

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.

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