Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences – Department of Anthropology
Are you interested in doing research in China, and specifically in the field of race and migration studies? Is it your ambition to become a top-tier researcher?
The Department of Anthropology is one of the departments in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. We are seeking three PhD candidates for the CHINAWHITE project, which is funded by the European Research Council and led by Dr. Shanshan Lan. The PhD track is part of the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR) programme group Moving Matters.
What will you be doing?
The Reconfiguration of Whiteness in China is a long term research project which examines the multiple and contradictory constructions of whiteness in China as a result of the rapid diversification of white migrants in the country and the shifting power balances between China and the West. The research includes three postdoctoral projects:
- Chinese state policy regarding international migrants in China;
- performing whiteness in the transnational corporate business sector in China;
- reconstructing whiteness in China through interracial romance.
The postdoctoral period includes at least twelve months of fieldwork in China. For the remainder of the employment period, the fellow is expected to live in Amsterdam and take active part in the research environment at the AISSR.
The postdoctoral research projects will constitute a significant component of the overall project, and the parameters of data collection and analysis are therefore largely determined by the overall project design. In addition to conducting fieldwork for an individual case, the postdoctoral fellow is expected to contribute to the analysis of the larger project, publish independently, and, together with other project team members, present research papers at international workshops and conferences, contribute to popular dissemination of the research results, and undertake administrative tasks related to the project, such as organizing workshops, seminars, policy dialogues, or maintaining the programme’s website.
What do we require of you?
You have:
- a PhD degree in anthropology, sociology, media and gender studies or other relevant disciplines in the humanities or social sciences, completed after May 2017 or with a fixed completion date before 1 November 2019;
- excellent proficiency in spoken and written English, as well as fluency in Mandarin Chinese;
ability to collect and analyse data in Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese); - demonstrate qualitative research experiences in China, preferably on issues of internal or international migration, state immigration policy, gender and transnational intimacy, racism and social (im)mobility;
- outstanding research qualities manifested in a high-quality PhD dissertation and international peer-reviewed publications;
- familiarity or keen interest in ethnographic research methods and approaches;
ability and willingness to work in a team; - willingness to travel abroad for research stays, conferences and project expert workshops;
strong organizational skills.
What can we offer you?
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.
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.
Further information
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
Dr Shanshan Lan
T: +31 (0)6 55325959
Appointment
The position concerns a temporary appointment of 38 hours per week for a maximum term of two years. The initial appointment is for one year, preferably starting on 1 November 2019. Barring altered circumstances and contingent on satisfactory performance (which includes the completion of an academic journal article) this term will be extended by a maximum of 12 months, leading to the completion of another international peer-reviewed journal article and a contribution to an edited volume over the course of the entire appointment.
Salary depends on past education and relevant work experience, with a minimum salary of €3,673 and a maximum salary of €4,978 gross per month based on a full-time appointment for a 38-hour working week (in keeping with scale 11, as per the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities). We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8,3%.
Job application
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.
Does this profile sound like you? If so, we are eager to receive:
- a full academic Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications;
- the following documents in a single PDF file (not zipped):
- a detailed letter of intent stating your motivation for this position. Please specify which case study you are interested in and why;
- one relevant writing sample (no more than 10,000 words);
- contact information for two academic references (no letters of recommendation);
- in case the PhD is not completed yet, evidence of a fixed completion date before 1 November 2019.
The deadline for applications is 25 August. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
You may apply online by clicking on the link below. #LI-DNP
