PhD Position in Sociology

University of Amsterdam

Institution: University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Faculty: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Program: Cultural Sociology, Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR)
Employment: Full-time, 38 hours/week, Temporary (max. 4 years)
Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 per month (gross, based on Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities)
Application Deadline: 1 December 2025
Starting Date: 1 February 2026 (preferred)

Project Overview

The project “Contested Objects, Connected Histories” focuses on Bunzlauer/Bolesławiec pottery, exploring how ceramics reflect histories of territorial transfer, displacement, and contested ownership. The PhD candidate will combine social scientific rigor with visual storytelling to examine difficult pasts and heritage.

The project examines:

  • How ceramics can embody violence and loss while fostering belonging.

  • Historical and cultural memory of pottery transferred after 1945 from Germans to resettled Poles.

  • Interdisciplinary approaches combining ethnography, visual methods, and sociological analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct ethnographic research in Poland and Germany, including filming ceramists and museum professionals.

  • Edit and analyze visual material into an essay-film as part of a practice-based dissertation (~70,000 words).

  • Participate in teaching (~10% of working time).

  • Collaborate with the PI, research assistant, and partner institutions to publish academic articles and present at conferences.

  • Optionally contribute to museum exhibition preparation.

  • Attend AISSR training activities, colloquia, and seminars.

Candidate Profile

  • Master’s degree (preferably in social sciences or humanities).

  • Skills in filmmaking and editing.

  • Fluency in Polish or German (or a strategy to conduct fieldwork without these languages).

  • Strong interest in combining sociological research with visual storytelling.

  • Ability to think theoretically, work collaboratively, and manage multiple visual, textual, and analytical tasks.

  • Experience in social research and familiarity with social/political theory is a strong advantage.

Offer

  • Temporary employment for up to 4 years (initial 1-year contract, renewable).

  • Full-time 38-hour work week with salary progression from €3,059 (year 1) to €3,881 (final year).

  • Guidance and supervision by two academic supervisors, including the project PI.

  • Access to film production and editing facilities at CameraWise (Amsterdam Centre for Visual Anthropology).

  • Opportunities for professional networking, international conferences, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a single PDF including:

  1. Motivation letter (max 2 pages) addressing:

    • Interest in memory, displacement, craft, or contested heritage.

    • Preparation for completing a sociology PhD combining visual and textual research.

    • Filmmaking skills and research application.

    • Language skills or strategy for fieldwork.

    • Contribution to teamwork and collective outputs (publications, film, exhibitions).

  2. CV detailing education, research experience, and creative work.

  3. Writing sample (MA thesis excerpt, article, or essay) and example of creative/visual work.

Contact:
Dr. Olga Sezneva, Principal Investigator – [email protected]

Deadline: 1 December 2025
Interviews: January 2026

Diversity & Inclusion

UvA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet all requested experience criteria.

Apply