Faculty: Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences Position: PhD Vacancy ID: 15304 Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 (gross per month) Application deadline: 1 September 2026 Overview Are you interested in researching labour, housing, and urban precarity? Join this PhD project exploring how labour migrants in Amsterdam experience, navigate and resist precarious living conditions at the intersection of labour and housing. You will collaborate directly with labour migrants and key stakeholders to shape actionable policy improvements at both the city and national level. Project Background Precarity An estimated 80,000 labour migrants currently reside in Amsterdam, accounting for nearly nine percent of the city’s total population. The daily operation of the urban-regional economy depends significantly on these workers, who sustain vital sectors such as logistics, construction and hospitality. Yet, a stark contrast exists between the high productivity of these sectors and the pervasive employment and housing precarity experienced by labour migrants in the city. A significant portion of labour migrants face dual precarity: they are employed under flexible, fixed-term or misclassified independent contracts, while concurrently facing insecure housing conditions. Their accommodation often relies on informal networks in subsectors of the housing market or employment agency "package deals" that link housing to employment, thereby rendering them vulnerable to homelessness upon contract termination. Some are also forced to find affordable housing in the broader Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (MRA), adding substantial commuting time. This PhD project explores the critical yet underexplored nexus between labour and housing precarity across different industries and tenure forms in Amsterdam. The central research question is how labour migrants experience, navigate, and challenge these intersecting forms of precarity within and across their (often changing) everyday geographies of work, home, social reproduction, and the travel between these spaces. The research aims to translate labour migrants’ lived experiences into practical recommendations for policy and governance at the city level and beyond. To capture the everyday lived experiences of labour migrants in the context of labour and housing precarity, the PhD candidate is expected to deploy ethnographic research methods, such as: In-depth interviews Participant observations Focus groups The ideal candidate should also demonstrate a strong commitment to urban impact by involving key stakeholders active in the field of precarious housing and labour. This may include: National labour unions (such as FNV and CNV) Policymakers of the Municipality of Amsterdam Labour rights organisations (FairWork) City-based social support groups (such as De Regenboog Groep) The PhD project will be supervised by: Dr. Emil van Eck Dr. Fenne Pinkster To demonstrate their interest and suitability for the project, applicants are invited to develop a research proposal based on this project outline. In this proposal, applicants should explain how they would address the central research question and specify their envisioned research focus. The proposal should follow the template provided in the application materials. What You Are Going to Do Conduct in-depth ethnographic fieldwork in Amsterdam to analyse the lived experiences of labour migrants alongside relevant local and national legislation. Collaboratively involve key stakeholders such as policymakers and social support organisations throughout both the research process and the dissemination of project findings. Complete a PhD dissertation based on four peer-reviewed scientific articles published in leading journals. Some of these articles will be written in collaboration with the wider research team. Produce policy briefs and reports. Contribute to the teaching programme of the Department of Geography, Planning and International Development (approximately 10% of your time). Take an active part in seminars and other activities of the Urban Geographies (UG) programme group and the department. Maintain your primary residence within commuting distance of the University of Amsterdam for the duration of the PhD project. What Do You Have to Offer? We are looking for candidates who have: A Master's degree in Human Geography, Urban Studies, Anthropology, Sociology or a related discipline. Robust methodological training in qualitative research methods, preferably including experience with ethnographic fieldwork or action-based research. A strong affinity with labour geography, critical housing studies and/or migration approaches. Proven experience working alongside communities navigating precarious living conditions. Familiarity with the labour and housing landscape in Amsterdam. A commitment to engaging policymakers and civil society organisations throughout the project development and research process. What Do We Have to Offer? We offer a temporary employment contract of 38 hours per week for a maximum term of four years. The initial appointment is for one year. Following a positive assessment, the contract will be extended by a maximum of three additional years, leading to the completion of the PhD. As part of the PhD programme, you will attend courses offered by: Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR) Graduate School of Social Sciences In addition to conducting research, publishing your findings, and participating in academic events, you will contribute to teaching activities for approximately 10% of your working time. For this position, the University Job Classification profile "Promovendus" applies. Your salary will be: €3,059 gross per month during the first year. Increasing annually to €3,881 gross per month in the final year. The salary is based on full-time employment (38 hours per week) and follows the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). Additional benefits include: 8% holiday allowance. 8.3% year-end bonus. Excellent opportunities for professional development and further education. About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. The faculty explores societal and human-centred issues driven by scientific curiosity while addressing contemporary challenges, including: Media and communication Healthcare Global urbanisation Human development Political institutions Understanding the human mind Growing inequality Diversity Changing social relationships With more than 1,300 staff members, the Faculty holds a leading position in Europe and internationally through its research and education. Application & Contact If you recognise yourself in this profile and are interested in the position, please submit the following documents: Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages) Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page) Research Proposal based on the project outline and using the prescribed template Please merge all documents into one PDF before submitting your application. You can apply via the "Apply" button until 1 September 2026. Interview date: 10 September 2026 For questions about the vacancy, please contact: Dr. Emil van Eck Email: [email protected] Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion As an employer, the University of Amsterdam maintains an equal opportunities policy. The University values diversity and is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. Curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and critical thinking are central to its academic culture. Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups often apply only when they meet all listed qualifications. If you meet the educational requirements but do not yet have all of the requested experience, the University of Amsterdam encourages you to apply. Application Deadline 1 September 2026 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Psychoneuroxy

Faculty: Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Position: PhD
Vacancy ID: 15304
Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 (gross per month)
Application deadline: 1 September 2026

Overview

Are you interested in researching labour, housing, and urban precarity? Join this PhD project exploring how labour migrants in Amsterdam experience, navigate and resist precarious living conditions at the intersection of labour and housing. You will collaborate directly with labour migrants and key stakeholders to shape actionable policy improvements at both the city and national level.

Project Background

Precarity

An estimated 80,000 labour migrants currently reside in Amsterdam, accounting for nearly nine percent of the city’s total population. The daily operation of the urban-regional economy depends significantly on these workers, who sustain vital sectors such as logistics, construction and hospitality. Yet, a stark contrast exists between the high productivity of these sectors and the pervasive employment and housing precarity experienced by labour migrants in the city.

A significant portion of labour migrants face dual precarity: they are employed under flexible, fixed-term or misclassified independent contracts, while concurrently facing insecure housing conditions. Their accommodation often relies on informal networks in subsectors of the housing market or employment agency "package deals" that link housing to employment, thereby rendering them vulnerable to homelessness upon contract termination. Some are also forced to find affordable housing in the broader Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (MRA), adding substantial commuting time.

This PhD project explores the critical yet underexplored nexus between labour and housing precarity across different industries and tenure forms in Amsterdam. The central research question is how labour migrants experience, navigate, and challenge these intersecting forms of precarity within and across their (often changing) everyday geographies of work, home, social reproduction, and the travel between these spaces.

The research aims to translate labour migrants’ lived experiences into practical recommendations for policy and governance at the city level and beyond.

To capture the everyday lived experiences of labour migrants in the context of labour and housing precarity, the PhD candidate is expected to deploy ethnographic research methods, such as:

In-depth interviews
Participant observations
Focus groups

The ideal candidate should also demonstrate a strong commitment to urban impact by involving key stakeholders active in the field of precarious housing and labour. This may include:

National labour unions (such as FNV and CNV)
Policymakers of the Municipality of Amsterdam
Labour rights organisations (FairWork)
City-based social support groups (such as De Regenboog Groep)

The PhD project will be supervised by:

Dr. Emil van Eck
Dr. Fenne Pinkster

To demonstrate their interest and suitability for the project, applicants are invited to develop a research proposal based on this project outline. In this proposal, applicants should explain how they would address the central research question and specify their envisioned research focus. The proposal should follow the template provided in the application materials.

What You Are Going to Do

Conduct in-depth ethnographic fieldwork in Amsterdam to analyse the lived experiences of labour migrants alongside relevant local and national legislation.
Collaboratively involve key stakeholders such as policymakers and social support organisations throughout both the research process and the dissemination of project findings.
Complete a PhD dissertation based on four peer-reviewed scientific articles published in leading journals. Some of these articles will be written in collaboration with the wider research team.
Produce policy briefs and reports.
Contribute to the teaching programme of the Department of Geography, Planning and International Development (approximately 10% of your time).
Take an active part in seminars and other activities of the Urban Geographies (UG) programme group and the department.
Maintain your primary residence within commuting distance of the University of Amsterdam for the duration of the PhD project.

What Do You Have to Offer?

We are looking for candidates who have:

A Master's degree in Human Geography, Urban Studies, Anthropology, Sociology or a related discipline.
Robust methodological training in qualitative research methods, preferably including experience with ethnographic fieldwork or action-based research.
A strong affinity with labour geography, critical housing studies and/or migration approaches.
Proven experience working alongside communities navigating precarious living conditions.
Familiarity with the labour and housing landscape in Amsterdam.
A commitment to engaging policymakers and civil society organisations throughout the project development and research process.

What Do We Have to Offer?

We offer a temporary employment contract of 38 hours per week for a maximum term of four years.

The initial appointment is for one year. Following a positive assessment, the contract will be extended by a maximum of three additional years, leading to the completion of the PhD.

As part of the PhD programme, you will attend courses offered by:

Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR)
Graduate School of Social Sciences

In addition to conducting research, publishing your findings, and participating in academic events, you will contribute to teaching activities for approximately 10% of your working time.

For this position, the University Job Classification profile "Promovendus" applies.

Your salary will be:

€3,059 gross per month during the first year.
Increasing annually to €3,881 gross per month in the final year.

The salary is based on full-time employment (38 hours per week) and follows the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

Additional benefits include:

8% holiday allowance.
8.3% year-end bonus.
Excellent opportunities for professional development and further education.

About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe.

The faculty explores societal and human-centred issues driven by scientific curiosity while addressing contemporary challenges, including:

Media and communication
Healthcare
Global urbanisation
Human development
Political institutions
Understanding the human mind
Growing inequality
Diversity
Changing social relationships

With more than 1,300 staff members, the Faculty holds a leading position in Europe and internationally through its research and education.

Application & Contact

If you recognise yourself in this profile and are interested in the position, please submit the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page)
Research Proposal based on the project outline and using the prescribed template

Please merge all documents into one PDF before submitting your application.

You can apply via the "Apply" button until 1 September 2026.

Interview date: 10 September 2026

For questions about the vacancy, please contact:

Dr. Emil van Eck
Email: [email protected]

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the University of Amsterdam maintains an equal opportunities policy. The University values diversity and is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. Curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and critical thinking are central to its academic culture.

Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups often apply only when they meet all listed qualifications. If you meet the educational requirements but do not yet have all of the requested experience, the University of Amsterdam encourages you to apply.