PhD in International Union Politics: Organized Labor in Democratic Life
Apply nowPhD in International Union Politics: Organized Labor in Democratic Life
Applications are invited for a fully-funded four-year PhD position in international relations at the University of Groningen, focusing on the transnational role of unions and the effects of unionization in the democratic public spheres of the industrialized states of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
PhD in International Union Politics: Organized Labor in Democratic Life
Apply now
What are you going to do?
The recently renewed global push towards unionization after decades of decline in union membership, the changed class structure of the international labor movement, which is driven in large part by members of the precariat rather than the traditional proletariat, has once again put labor organizing on both the political (and academic agenda). From a theoretical perspective, this transnational phenomenon has driven a resurgence in thinking about the legitimacy and transformational potential of labor militancy, both in the workplace and in society at large. Empirically, scholars have sought to use past examples of strikes and labor organizing to better understand this contemporary movement and where it is likely to lead. However, there has been little investigation of what role unions can and should play in political debate, despite their newfound relevance and voice. In light of this lacuna, there is a need for further theoretical, historical and evidence-based investigation of the international role of unions in modern democratic societies.
Drawing on political theory, this project considers how unions, unionization, and union membership contribute to democratic life and democratic political thinking in this new constellation of international labor. It will do so through a careful empirical and historical study of unions across a number of international case studies, examining how their participation in democratic society does or does not influence both formal politics and political culture more generally. The research aims to consider the material and theoretical links between workplace democracy and political democracy internationally, an intersection that is rarely studied. The timeframe and geographic scope of the project are open to the interests and skills of the doctoral candidate to be hired.
The PhD Project
In the PhD project, jointly supervised by dr. Peter Verovšek (International Relations) and dr. Jason Resnikoff (Contemporary History), the selected candidate will identify their own interdisciplinary focus and interest within the broad framework set out above. Candidates are asked to formulate and explain their focus in a research proposal, in which they describe the research idea, possible primary sources, and academic disciplines relevant to the project. Please note that an interdisciplinary focus is fundamental to this project, which means that candidates are encouraged to find connections between different disciplines and types of sources.
During the four-year PhD position, you will be asked to:
- Write and complete a dissertation within the framework of the project
- Publish and present a number of academic and popular articles and/or papers about your research (in discussion with your supervisors)
- Participate in teaching activities in the programs of International Relations and History at the University of Groningen
- Complete the PhD project in the specified timeframe (4 years).
Who are you?
To be competitive for the position, prospective candidates must have:
• A Research Master’s or Master’s degree in International Relations, History, Political Science, Political Theory or any other relevant discipline in the Humanities, with an above average final grade. Please note that candidates who are about to graduate are also welcome to apply. In that case they need to have finished their (R)MA programme before the interviews.
• A special interest in and knowledge of political theory and labor politics (demonstrated by a BA or MA thesis, publications or previous research experience)
• Excellent command of academic writing and speaking skills in both English and the language(s) of the region under investigation.
• The ability to develop your own research interests and academic profile, in collaboration with your supervisors.
The following would be assets for prospective candidates:
• Experience with archival research
• A knowledge of labor history
• Familiarity with the political theory of the public sphere
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 (Promovendus) up to a maximum of € 3.881 (Promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Contract duration: A temporary 1.0 FTE appointment for a specified period of four years. The candidate will first be appointed for twelve months. After 11 months, an assessment will take place of the candidate’s results and the progress of the PhD project, in order to decide whether employment will be continued.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (RUG), researchers across all branches of science and technology work on scientific challenges and societal issues. Lecturers train their students for meaningful careers in science or beyond. Interdisciplinary research and education, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with companies, government institutions, and societal organizations are highly valued at this top 100 university. RUG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working environment that invites you to contribute your value.
The Faculty of Arts is a large and dynamic faculty located in the heart of the city of Groningen. More than 5,500 students and 900 staff work every day at the frontiers of knowledge. The Faculty offers a diverse range of academic programmes, with 16 Bachelor’s programmes and over 40 Master’s programmes. With its strong international orientation, the Faculty conducts research in fields including archaeology, cultural studies, history, international relations, journalism, literature, and linguistics. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Arts, visit rug.nl/let.
The Faculty of Arts is a large, dynamic faculty in the heart of the city of Groningen. It has more than 5000 students and 700 staff members, who are working at the frontiers of knowledge every day. The Faculty offers a wide range of degree programmes: 15 Bachelor’s programmes and over 35 Master’s specialisations. Our research, which is internationally widely acclaimed, covers Archaeology, Cultural Studies, History, International Relations, Language and Literary Studies, Linguistics and Media and Journalism Studies.
Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will receive a response at the latest two weeks after the closing date.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this sound like a challenge that suits you? Then apply immediately!
Do you meet our qualification criteria? If yes, you’re requested to upload the following documents:
- A short statement (ca. 1000 words), explaining your motivation for applying.
- An outline of max 3000 words with your own research proposal in the wider frame of this project.
- A curriculum vitae.
- Copies of (Research)Master diploma and list of grades. If candidates are still studying for their (Research)Master diploma, a written statement from the supervisor is required commenting on performance and expected date of completion.
- Copy of (Research)Master thesis.
- A writing sample (e.g. a substantial research essay, a peer-reviewed article, or a publication).
- Contact information of two academic referees (no letters of recommendation are needed for the application process).
- In case your (Research)Master degree is not in English/Dutch, please include a language certificate.
- Please send in your application as two PDF files (one for the (Research)Master thesis, and one for all other documents).
Do you have any questions or need more information?
-
Questions about the content of the job?
Jason Resnikoff
Assistant Professor
j.z.resnikoff@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Gooitske Nijboer
Management/Office-assistant
G.J.Nijboer@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP application code
Read document