Key Skills

Job Description

The Department of Political Science is looking for a PhD candidate to work in the “Doctoral Network Democratic Institutions and Violence Network in Europe (DIViNE)” project, funded by the HORIZON MSCA action. The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Abbey Steele (University of Amsterdam) and Dr. Juan Masullo (University of Milan) and join a network of 10 PhD candidates across five universities. At the University of Amsterdam, the PhD candidate will be part of the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR) programme group Political Institutions and Identities (PII). DIViNE brings together leading European research environments — UvA (Amsterdam), UESSEX (Essex), UMIL (Milan), UC3M (Carlos III de Madrid) and UU (Uppsala) — and partner organizations to combine complementary strengths in quantitative conflict research, behavioral and experimental methods, historical and archival inquiry, institutional and normative theory, and applied policy engagement. Working at the UvA Join us! Democracies are commonly seen as able to channel contestation through institutionalized processes and nonviolent action. Yet, democratic polities frequently experience a broad range of political violence — from riots and organized electoral intimidation to extremist mobilization and criminal violence — and violence can test and, at times, erode democratic norms and institutions. Moreover, democracies themselves may respond to perceived threats with measures (e.g., militarized policing, emergency legislation, selective repression) that threaten to undermine core features of liberal democracy such as the rule of law, civil liberties and institutional impartiality. The DIViNE Doctoral Network (Democratic Institutions and Violence Network in Europe) consolidates comparative, historical, theoretical and methodological strands to build a coherent new research program on political violence in democracies. The position is part of WP3 on Dynamics of Support for Violent Movements and Responses, which examines how democracies respond to violence and how these responses shape democratic quality. Many democratic governments increasingly rely on militarized policing, emergency measures, and “iron-fist” security policies that may temporarily reduce insecurity, but potentially at the cost of weakened accountability and distorted institutional responsiveness and constraints. WP3 analyzes the micro-foundations of public support for repression, the institutional incentives behind securitized policies, and alternative strategies better aligned with democratic principles. The PhD project, Militarization, Public Support, and Democratic Erosion in Latin America, examines the interplay between public support for militarized security, institutional legacies of civil–military relations, and democratic erosion. It investigates when and why citizens endorse the use of armed forces for domestic security, how exposure to violence and distrust in civilian institutions shape these preferences, and how public opinion interacts with institutional militarization and executive aggrandizement. Empirical work will combine survey experiments, cross-national quantitative analysis (drawing on datasets such as LAPOP, V-Dem, and Latinobarómetro), and qualitative fieldwork in selected Latin American contexts. The project will contribute to understanding how coercive governance becomes normalized and how democratic quality is affected by persistent militarization. The candidate will divide their training between Amsterdam and Milan, acquiring expertise in mixed-methods research, Latin American politics, conflict analysis, and survey experimentation. The doctoral trajectory also includes a three-month non-academic secondment at Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli in Milan, which will develop skills in policy outreach, public communication, and engagement with human rights and security-sector organizations. The PhD will begin in February 2027. For more information about the network, consult https://divine.unimi.it/ A good salary Your salary will be determined on the basis of your experience and seniority, in accordance with the Labour agreement. Your grading and therefore the amounts mentioned are based on full employment of 38 hours per week. 232 vacation hours We also offer parental leave, partner leave and social engagement leave. Through the Employment Conditions Menu Card, there are opportunities for even more vacation hours. Financial arrangements On top of your salary, you receive holiday allowance (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%). You build up a good pension with ABP. And in addition, we offer many other allowances and schemes. Career development and room for growth The UvA encourages you to continue to professionalise through training courses and open UvA lectures. Family matters Relocating to the Netherlands with your family? Find out about daycare, schooling, health insurance or employment options and support for your partner or spouse. Including the IDCN-network which provides support for your spouse through various training sessions, social activities, and networking events. All About This Vacancy What are you going to do You will: be affiliated with the AISSR and participate in its organized PhD training. The academic work is to result in a doctoral thesis that will be defended at the Faculty of Social Sciences with the goal of obtaining the degree of PhD. conduct PhD research on militarization, public support for militarized security, and democratic erosion in Latin America, including survey experiments, cross-national quantitative analysis, and qualitative fieldwork; co-author publications with other project members; take active part in DIViNE training network activities including network training modules, PhD colloquia, research workshops, secondments, and training workshops; take active part in the research environment at the AISSR, including PII research seminars and AISSR center activities, among others; during your time in Milan, take active part in the research environment at MiCoRes, including research seminars and workshops, among others; teach Bachelor-level courses, depending upon availability and as suitable for the PhD schedule (for a max. of 10%). assist with administrative responsibilities related to the project, such as the organization of workshops, conferences, or other project events. make Amsterdam (or a location within commuting distance) your primary residence for the duration of the PhD project, with research and training stays in Milan and fieldwork in Latin America. We will assist with finding adequate housing and with applying for visa and residence permits. What Do You Have To Offer You have the following credentials: Essential: a Master’s degree or equivalent in political science or closely related discipline. The degree must have been obtained by the start of your employment; excellent command of social science research methods, including quantitative (e.g., regression analysis of survey and cross-national data, causal inference design, statistical programming) and qualitative methodology (process tracing; interviewing, focus groups) an interest to conduct fieldwork in Latin America; excellent oral and written communication skills in English; Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills independent thinking and critical analytical skills; the ability to work independently and in a team. Desirable: knowledge of Latin American politics; experience with survey experiments; experience with fieldwork; expertise in research on political violence, organized crime, public security, and/or democratic backsliding. What Else Do We Offer You The position concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week for a maximum term of three and a half years (42 months) at the University of Amsterdam, under the MSCA Doctoral Network employment conditions. The initial employment is for one year with an intended starting date of February 2027. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of two and a half years. A possible 6 months extension is envisioned but not yet guaranteed. The employment should result in the conferral of a doctorate. We will put together a curriculum which will also include the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international events. You will also be tasked with teaching Bachelor's students. Your place at the UvA In this department, you will work We offer a challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organisation. The social and behavioural sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future. Please follow the links to learn more about the Department of Political Science and the AISSR at the University of Amsterdam, the Department of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Milan, and the Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli. To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity. About The Faculty Of Social And Behavioural Sciences The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. Here, we explore societal and human-centered issues, driven by scientific curiosity but also with an eye for current themes. For example, the impact of media and communication on individuals and society, healthcare challenges, global urbanization, human development, the role of political institutions, understanding the human mind, growing inequality, diversity issues, and changing social relationships. In Europe and beyond, the FMG holds a leading position, thanks in part to its more than 1,300 staff members who contribute to education and research. Will you be one of them? Important to know Your application & contact Please note that PhD researchers recruited on the project must satisfy the MSCA mobility requirements, which for this position means that they cannot have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date. Also note that the program will entail mobility across the institutions and partners in the network, including extended periods in Milan. To apply, please submit the following five documents combined into a single PDF document with your name and the vacancy number in the document title: a CV; a two-page cover letter that outlines your preparation and motivation to pursue this degree; unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts; the contact details of two academic references; a writing sample of max. 10 pages (this can be an excerpt from longer written material). Please do NOT include any other materials at this stage. No other materials will be reviewed by the committee. You can apply online by clicking on link below. The deadline for applications is November 6, 2026. Additional materials such as recommendation letters will be requested only for shortlisted candidates. The selection committee expects interviews to take place online in the week of November 23. We ask you to ensure availability this week. The position will start in February 2027. 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. 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.

Core Responsibilities

Conduct doctoral research on militarization, public support for domestic military security, and democratic erosion in Latin America using survey experiments, cross-national quantitative analysis, and qualitative fieldwork. Participate in the DIViNE and university research activities, co-author publications, teach Bachelor-level courses for up to 10% of the role, and assist with project events and administration.

Requirements

Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in political science or a closely related discipline by the employment start date, strong quantitative and qualitative research-methods skills, and excellent written and spoken English. The role also requires an interest in Latin American fieldwork, independent and collaborative working abilities, and Spanish and/or Portuguese; knowledge of Latin American politics, survey experiments, fieldwork, and related research areas is desirable.

Benefits

• 232 Vacation Hours
• Parental Leave
• Partner Leave
• Social Engagement Leave
• Holiday Allowance
• Year-End Bonus
• Pension Plan
• Training Courses
• Relocation and Housing Assistance
• Visa and Residence Permit Application Assistance