Are you an anthropologist passionate about research that is relevant to practice? Do you want to make a real impact in urban communities and urban governance? This is your chance to propose a project that is both intellectually exciting and can make a difference to lives in Amsterdam.
Open topics
We offer two PhD positions for anthropological research on urban issues that makes an academic contribution and is relevant to solving social challenges in Amsterdam. The project should be both solid and innovative academically, and incorporate practice-based concerns and questions in its design. The programme aims to promote social science with the city. Whether working with activists or policymakers, medical doctors or social workers, the goal is to learn from local partners and work alongside them.
Within these parameters, the topic to be researched is open, as long as the projects relate to urban issues and clearly articulate their societal value for the city and those who help shape it. We particularly encourage project proposals on the following themes: disability and mobility; living with intellectual disabilities; diversity and inequality in the city; young people’s views and practices of sexuality; progressive municipal politics in an age of polarization; green energy and the Port of Amsterdam.
While ethnography will be the major approach, candidates are encouraged to also include other methods. This may involve experimenting with co-constructive or multimodal methods as well as the creation of outputs other than academic ones, in dialogue with the people to whom this project should make a difference.
Applicants are invited to develop a research proposal on the topic of their choice (see instructions below).
All about this vacancy
What are you going to do
- Develop and execute your research project in dialogue with partners in the city
- Contribute to academic debates and produce a PhD dissertation and publications
- Translate your research findings and insights into outputs that are relevant to these partners
- Teach in our educational programmes (10% of appointment)
Your application & contact
If you recognise yourself in this profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your:
- CV (max. 2 pages)
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- Research proposal using this template (max. 1400 words excl. reference list).
Please merge these documents into a single PDF.
The proposal allows the candidate to pitch the topic of the research and explain why it is exciting, relevant, and urgent. They can elaborate and specify which literature they intend to draw upon, how they intend to design the research, and which scientific and practical contributions they envision.
You can apply via the red button until 1 September 2026. Interviews will take place on 18 September 2026.
For questions about the vacancy, you can contact: Anouk de Koning, a.dekoning@uva.nl
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Apply Here
Need help in landing a scholarship? Our comprehensive scholarship assistance includes appraising eligibility criteria to guide applicants correctly and help them avail of scholarships offered by colleges, universities, and government bodies occasionally. Get in touch with our experts and scholarship beneficiaries for insights.
Fill out the form below;
Reach out via phone on;
(+237) 676417518 or 658214537
Check our scholarship finder for more scholarships
Do you want to stay current with the job market by being informed about the latest job opportunities? Use this link to join our WhatsApp job group;