• Designing and developing virtual environments in collaboration with the 4D Research Lab (University of Amsterdam) and developing and applying interactive storytelling methods across multiple case studies;
• Exploring how different types of data (e.g. material, spatial, archival, testimonial) can be integrated into virtual environments;
• Collaborating with memory communities, heritage institutions, researchers, and technical experts through co-creation workshops and focus groups;
• Investigating how interactive storytelling can facilitate engagement, dialogue, and reflection across different stakeholder groups, and critically evaluating the ethical implications of representing sensitive and potentially conflicting pasts in interactive digital formats;
• Contributing to the development of an evaluation framework for the use of interactive digital technologies and storytelling for contested sites that addresses both academic and societal needs.
• Submission of a PhD thesis within the period of appointment; 
• Presenting intermediate research results at relevant workshops and conferences, such as the CAA; 
• Participation in the Amsterdam School for Heritage, Memory and Material Culture (AHM) and Faculty of Humanities PhD training programmes;
• (co-)teaching courses at BA-level in the second and third year of the appointment (maximum 0,2 fte per year).
• Participating in national activities of the “Traumascapes” consortium, particularly those for the PhD cohort within the larger project.

• a completed Master's degree in Archaeology (especially Digital Archaeology), Heritage & Museum Studies (with a focus on Digital Heritage), or Digital Humanities (only with a focus on 3D/VR applications or Game Studies/Development for heritage or museums);
• demonstrable experience in 3D modelling, game development, and/or XR technologies, to be submitted as a portfolio of any previous work in developing VR/AR/MR/XR/(digital) games or reconstructions of cultural heritage;
• enthusiasm for communicating academic research to non-academic audiences; 
• a strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research; 
• good command of English, and working command or willingness to learn Dutch;
• the names and contact details of two referees who are familiar with your work.

Please note that if you already hold a doctorate/PhD or are working towards obtaining a similar degree elsewhere, you will not be admitted to a doctoral programme at the UvA. 

• We offer a temporary employment contract for the period of 48 months. The first contract will be for 16 months, with an extension for the following 32 months, contingent on a positive performance evaluation within the first 12 months. The preferred starting date is ​1 September 2026. 
• Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €3.059 in the first year to €3.881 (scale P) in the last year. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate applicable. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
• 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; 
• excellent possibilities for further professional development and education; 
• an enthusiastic, inclusive and supportive academic team.