The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded a grant to the Graduate School of Communication and the Amsterdam School of Communication Research ASCoR. This grant gives 5 outstanding candidates the opportunity for a 3-year paid position to carry out a self-designed research project in Communication Science at ASCoR, resulting in a PhD degree in Communication Science from the University of Amsterdam.

The PhD projects will start on 1 September 2012, 1 February 2013 or 1 September 2013.

To support candidates in designing and writing their own PhD research proposal, a 3-day master class will be offered for selected candidates during the spring of 2012. In addition, all candidates are invited to seek a prospective supervisor from within ASCoR faculty to mentor them whilst writing the PhD proposal.

Tasks

The candidate is expected to do research and publish on the basis of the research. The candidate will also complete a PhD dissertation.

Requirements

The PhD candidates should:

• Hold a Research Master’s degree in communication science or equivalent qualifications. In all other cases a transfer program will apply. (A Research Master is a 2-year Master programme with 60 EC of methodological coursework.);
• Candidates who are due to graduate before 1 February 2013 are also welcome to apply;
• Excel academically, as shown in the grade transcripts and curriculum vitae;
• Submit a PhD project proposal that is high-quality, innovative, feasible, and relevant for ASCoR’s Research Program 2010-2015;
• Have a firm ambition to pursue a PhD degree and an academic career;
• Have an excellent written and spoken command of English.

Further information

For more information about ASCoR, the Graduate School of Communication, how to register for the master class, the PhD proposal criteria, and application package requirements, please see the 'Refer To'-section below.

Appointment

The positions start per 1 September 2012, 1 February 2013 or 1 September 2013, and are initially for 1 year. Extension of the contract after the first year to a total of three or four years (depending on FTE) is subject to satisfactory performance.

The gross monthly salary will be in accordance with the salary scales for PhD candidates at Dutch universities, i.e., ranging from € 2,042 in the first year to € 2,612 in the final year.

Job application

The deadline for applications is 1 June 2012. To apply for this position, please send at least the following documents in English by e-mail to ascor-secr-fmg@uva.nl:

• Motivation letter;
• Curriculum vitae;
• Proof of (Research) Master's degree. If the candidate has not yet completed the degree at the time of application, a statement must be provided from the programme administration or Master thesis supervisor confirming the expected date of completion of the degree;
• Grade transcripts of the Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees;
• A PhD project proposal.

Please send all your documents in PDF or doc(x) format