Deadline: 25 October 2015
Open to: applicants with MA in cultural studies, anthropology, history or a relevant humanities and social science background qualification
Scholarship: a monthly salary of EUR 2,125 – 2,717
Description
The Faculty of Humanities at Utrech University is offering 3 PhD positions within the project “Digital Crossings in Europe: Gender, Diaspora and Belonging” (CONNECTINGEUROPE). The project aims to investigate the relation between migration and digital technologies, in particular the way in which the ‘connected migrant’ contributes to new forms of European integration and cosmopolitan citizenship. The project explores digital diasporas in relation to issues of gender, ethnicity and affective belonging, focusing on how new technologies enhance new forms of connectivity between the homeland and destination countries, bus also across diasporas.
The project pioneers a new interdisciplinary method that combines media studies, postcolonial theories, digital humanities and gender studies, drawing from the humanities and social science. It proposes a comparative approach, based on qualitative digital methods, that focuses on Somali, Romanian and Turkish women migrants who have settled in some of Europe’s main cities (London – PhD1, Amsterdam – PhD2 and Rome – PhD3) and the way in which they keep digitally and emotionally connected to their homeland cities (Mogadishu, Bucharest, Istanbul – Postdoc). The project will chart how different forms of migration (labour, postcolonial and post socialist) impact on the new European order at the local and transnational levels.
Eligibility
Successful candidates should meet following requirements:
- A (research) Master’s degree in gender, new media, cultural studies, anthropology, geography, history, international relations or a relevant humanities and social science background qualification at an equivalent level with a clear interest in migration, digital methods, gender studies, postcolonial theories and ethnography;
- An outstanding record for work in the undergraduate and Master’s degrees;
- Excellent research skills;
- Excellent academic writing and presentation skills;
- Proficiency in English, both written and spoken. A knowledge of one or more of the languages of the project is an advantage: Dutch, Somali, Romanian, Turkish and Italian.
- Some experience in ethnographic research;
- Knowledge of or willingness to learn digital methods;
- Ability to meet deadlines and work as an independent researcher and as part of a team;
- Ability and willingness to collaborate across the academic disciplines of media, migration, visual analysis, gender and postcolonial studies;
- Ability to work in an international, interdisciplinary team;
- Excellent organizational, social and communication skills.
Scholarship
Three PhD positions can be offered for 1,0 FTE each, starting 1 January 2016 or soon after. Initially for a period of 18 months. Upon good performance and a positive evaluation, the contract will be extended for another 30 months (4 years in total). The gross monthly salary starts at EUR 2,125 in the first year, ending at EUR 2,717 in the fourth year on a fulltime basis. Utrecht University offers a pension scheme, a holiday allowance of 8% per year, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and flexible employment conditions. More information can be found HERE.
How to apply?
The deadline for applications is 26 October 2015. To apply please send digital copies of:
- A letter of motivation;
- A research statement of 1000 words, explaining why and how you plan to conduct this research;
- A CV;
- Certified copies of relevant diplomas;
- One recent academic publication and a copy of your Master’s thesis;
- Names and contact details of two academic referees.
Please refer to the position you are applying for and use the online application on the official website.
For more information please visit the official website.
