Job title:
PhD Position in Argumentation, Identity and the Public Sphere
Company:
Job description
Offer DescriptionThe Amsterdam Center for Language and Communication (ACLC) currently has a vacant PhD position as part of the project Expressing Identity in Public Discourse through Argumentation led by principal investigator Dr. M.H. (Menno) Reijven. The ACLC prioritises diversity (taken in a holistic sense, e.g., ethnicity, social and/or linguistic background, gender, sexuality) and is committed to creating an inclusive research environment. We are seeking a talented colleague who can communicate well with the different ACLC research groups, develop interdisciplinary projects, and contribute to research-based teaching. The ACLC is one of the five Research Schools within the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research (AIHR). Researchers in the capacity group of Speech Communication, Argumentation Theory and Rhetoric at the ACLC investigate argumentative discourse across a wide variety of contexts, as well as the linguistic and cognitive processes behind argumentation and persuasion. The PhD student is expected to collaborate with other researchers on argumentation within the research school as well.Communication and identity are deeply intertwined
In this research project, Expressing Identity in Public Discourse through Argumentation, argumentation is investigated as a mode of communication through which people can present themselves and others in interactions. Although argumentation may have many functions, among which particularly its function in persuasion and building consensus is well-established, the use of argumentation to express identity and social relationships has to be studied in more detail.
In the field of language and social interaction, identity and the presentation of self has been a central concern and various theories have been developed to understand how utterances are used to position oneself and one’s interlocutor. In the context of public discussions, argumentation is used not only to convince others, but also to position oneself or one’s group within a larger public sphere. The processes of creating groups and projecting relationships and hierarchies are central to public argumentation and are deeply intertwined with identity concerns. It is these arguments, not necessarily or exclusively meant to convince anyone in a difference of opinion, which are the focus of this project: arguments which may project attitudes, relationships and social status.
In this project, the PhD will collaborate with the principal investigator to connect literature on communication and identity to argumentation theory, resulting in an analytic model for empirical analyses that has clear links with current research in argumentation theory. The researcher will primarily focus on connecting insights in (interactional) sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology and/or discourse/conversation analysis to the field of argumentation theory, and can develop these connections on a case study of their choice. The researcher compiles their own corpus and designs their own study within the scope of the project. In particular, this project starts from the premise that argumentation can be highly productive in creating an in-group and feelings of belonging, particularly in the public sphere. The researcher is expected to contribute with their project to the study of communication in the public domain.This is what you will be doing
Your tasks and activities will include:
- submission of a PhD thesis within the period of appointment;
- participating in meetings of the project research group and developing a shared corpus;
- publishing single-authored, peer-reviewed articles as well as collaborative studies;
- presenting intermediate research results at (national and international) workshops and conferences;
- organising knowledge dissemination activities;
- (Co-)teaching courses at the BA-level in the 2nd and 3rd year of the appointment (max. 0,2FTE per year)
- participation in the Research School and Faculty of Humanities PhD training programmes.
This is what we ask of you
You demonstrate a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the research topic. You actively seek out resources, tools, and knowledge to advance the research project and quickly adapt to new methodologies, tools, and research directions. You carefully and critically review data, analyses, and written work. You are able to present research findings at meetings, conferences, and in written publications in a clear way, making complex concepts accessible to both academic and general audiences.
Candidates need to have the following qualifications:
- a completed (research) Master’s degree in the areas of argumentation, rhetoric, discourse, linguistics or communication, or a comparable discipline. You may apply if you have not yet completed a Master’s degree only if you provide a signed letter from your supervisor stating that you will graduate before 31 August 2025;
- excellent research skills demonstrated by an outstanding (research) Master’s thesis and a demonstrable capacity to develop a track record of publishing in high-ranking journals and/or with leading presses;
- a strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research;
- enthusiasm for communicating academic research to non-academic audiences;
- good command of English is required; good command of Dutch is desired;
- experience in conducting qualitative research
Please note that if you already hold a doctorate/PhD or are working towards obtaining a similar degree elsewhere, you will not be admitted to a doctoral programme at the UvA.This is what we offer you
We offer a temporary employment contract for the period of 48 months. The first contract will be for 16 months, with an extension for the following 32 months, contingent on a positive performance evaluation within the first 12 months. The employment contract is for 38 hours a week. The preferred starting date is 01 September 2025.
Your salary is in the first year of the employment contract € 2,901 and in the last year a maximum of € 3,707 gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. Favourable tax agreements may apply to applicants moving from abroad. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.
What else do we offer?
- PhD candidates receive a tuition fee waiver;
- PhD candidates have free access to courses offered by the Graduate School of Humanities and the Dutch National Research Schools;
- excellent possibilities for further professional development and education;
- an inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
- an enthusiastic and professional academic team.
This is where you will be working
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds. The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in de field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.If you have any questions about the position or the department, please contact during office hours:
dr. Menno Reijven ( ), Assistant professor, +31 (0)20 525 4705.If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the link below. We will accept applications until 14 April 2025. Your application should include the following information:
- a letter and full academic CV;
- a list of all Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades;
- a research proposal of 800-1000 words, showing how you would approach the project;
- the names and email addresses of two references, including your advisor, who may be approached by the selection committee.
Please submit the required information in 1 pdf by uploading in the required field ‘CV’. The first round of interviews will be held in the course of early May 2025.Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsAdditional InformationWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute UvA Country Netherlands City Amsterdam Postal Code 1012CX Street Kloveniersburgwal 48 GeofieldContact CityAmsterdam WebsiteStreetSpui 21 Postal Code1012 WXSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page
Expected salary
€2901 per month
Location
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Job date
Sun, 02 Feb 2025 23:06:16 GMT
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