We are offering a four-year full-time PhD position as part of an NWO-funded VIDI project that examines the transformation of democracy in the late twentieth century through the lens of media governance. We are looking for a curious, creative, and collaborative historian to investigate the grassroots contestation of public media models during the long 1970s.

The Role

As a PhD researcher, you will focus on the initial phase of challenges to the postwar democratic model. You will explore how social movements, alternative media initiatives, intellectuals, and cultural pioneers contested the institutional foundations of public service broadcasting, critiquing government control and advocating for new democratic ideals centered on participation, pluralism, autonomy, and freedom of expression. Your research will analyze how these alternative visions emerged and influenced public debates on media policy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archival research on social movements, alternative media organizations, and intellectuals.
• Analyze how democratic concepts and forms of media governance evolved.
• Investigate the interactions between social movements, ideas, and political change across Western Europe.
• Assess the impact of grassroots ideas and practices on media regulation debates.

Requirements

• (R)MA degree in history or a related field.
• Proven interest in the history of democracy and/or media governance in contemporary Europe.
• Professional proficiency in English and at least one other European language; additional language skills are a plus.
• Experience with historical research methods and archival sources.
• Interest in collaboration with diverse academic and non-academic stakeholders.

What We Offer

• A full-time temporary position for 18 months, extendable to four years upon successful assessment.
• A working week of 36-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 (salary scale P under the CAO NU).
• 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms.

In addition to the terms of employment, Utrecht University offers various professional development opportunities, leave options, and activities for sports and culture. You can tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model, encouraging personal and professional growth.

About Us

At Utrecht University, our ambition is to create a better future for everyone through leading research and inspiring teaching. The Faculty of Humanities, with around 7,000 students and 1,100 staff members, aims to enhance understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing context. We strive for diversity among our employees and students, fostering a safe and inclusive environment.

For further information about this position, please contact project leader Dr. Pepijn Corduwener at p.corduwener@uu.nl.

To apply, please submit your CV, a research proposal of up to two pages, a writing sample, contact details for two references, and a motivation letter of up to one page. Interviews will take place on 15 and 21 September 2026 in Utrecht.