PhD Candidate in Political Science at Universiteit van Amsterdam

The Department of Political Science is inviting applications for a PhD candidate to participate in the 'Doctoral Network Democratic Institutions and Violence Network in Europe (DIViNE)' project, funded by the HORIZON MSCA action. The selected candidate will be guided by Dr. Ursula Daxecker (University of Amsterdam and Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science) and Dr. Hanne Fjelde (University of Uppsala) while joining a network of 10 PhD candidates from five universities. This position is part of the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR) programme group Political Institutions and Identities (PII).

About the Company

DIViNE unites top European research institutions — UvA (Amsterdam), UESSEX (Essex), UMIL (Milan), UC3M (Carlos III de Madrid), and UU (Uppsala) — along with partner organizations like the Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science. The project aims to leverage diverse strengths in quantitative conflict research, behavioral and experimental methods, historical inquiry, institutional theory, and policy engagement.

The Role

The role involves researching the dynamics of political violence in democracies, analyzing how regime transitions affect violence patterns. The PhD project will investigate how democratization can create new incentives for violence depending on various factors like institutional reforms and elite-local relationships. The research will involve statistical analysis, mixed-methods studies, and process tracing in Global South contexts, contributing to a theoretical framework on the persistence of violence despite democratic reforms.

The doctoral path includes a three-month secondment at Uppsala University and IDEA in Sweden, providing practical insights into policy discussions regarding democratization, institutional design, and violence prevention, alongside training in comparative policy analysis.

What We Offer

A competitive salary based on experience and seniority, aligned with the Labour agreement.
232 vacation hours, parental leave, partner leave, and social engagement leave, with opportunities for additional vacation hours.
Holiday allowance (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%), along with a solid pension plan with ABP.
Support for professional development through training courses and open UvA lectures.
Assistance for relocating to the Netherlands with family, including information on daycare, schooling, health insurance, and employment options for partners.

Responsibilities

You will:

Be affiliated with AISSR and engage in organized PhD training, culminating in a doctoral thesis defended at the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Conduct research on democratization and political violence, employing quantitative analysis, surveys, and fieldwork interviews.
Co-author publications with project members.
Participate actively in DIViNE training network activities, including modules, workshops, and seminars.
Engage in research activities at AISSR, including PII seminars and center activities.
Teach Bachelor-level courses as suitable for your schedule (up to 10%).
Assist with project-related administrative tasks, such as organizing workshops and conferences.
Reside in Amsterdam (or a nearby location) for the first three years and Göttingen (or a nearby location) for the one-year extension, with support for housing and visa applications.

Requirements

You should possess:

A Master’s degree or equivalent in political science or a closely related field, obtained by the start of your employment.
Proficiency in social science research methods, particularly quantitative methodologies like panel regression and statistical programming in Stata/R.
Interest in conducting fieldwork in the Global South.
Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written.
Independent thinking and critical analytical skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Nice to Have

Knowledge of regions relevant to the project, such as South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Experience with qualitative methods and mixed-methods approaches.
Expertise in political violence research.

Application Process

This position is temporary, requiring 38 hours per week for a maximum of three years at the University of Amsterdam, starting January 2027. The initial contract is for one year, extendable based on performance. To apply, submit a single PDF including your CV, cover letter, two-page PhD project proposal, unofficial transcripts, references, and a writing sample. The application deadline is November 11, 2026. Interviews will be conducted online during the week of November 23.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates who meet the educational requirements but may not fulfill all requested experience.