Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
- Research Field: Anthropology » Cultural anthropology; Anthropology » Ethnology; Sociology » Social shaping of technology; Sociology » Sociology of labour
Offer Description
We are looking for a doctoral researcher to study how generative AI is changing learning, expertise and relationships at work.
The PhD is a four year project that is part of EMANAIRE (Empowering Human Agency in AI-Augmented Futures of Work), a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network. You will be based at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, while working as part of an international network of doctoral researchers and universities. The programme includes joint training, research seminars, methods workshops and opportunities to collaborate with partner institutions across Europe. A six-month secondment is planned as part of the project.
Because this position is part of an MSCA Doctoral Network, specific eligibility conditions apply: Candidates can be of any nationality but must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment. Under the MSCA mobility rule, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
Requirements
Specific Requirements
Your research will focus on what happens when generative AI becomes part of everyday organisational life. You will study how early-career employees learn their jobs, seek help, develop expertise and deal with responsibility when AI is increasingly involved in their work.
This is a qualitative research project, with substantial ethnographic fieldwork where you will be interviewing and observing people in organizations. Relevant masters degree backgrounds include organisation studies, sociology, anthropology, STS, information systems or related fields. We are looking for exceptional grades in a masters programme, particularly demonstrating strong writing, reading, critical thinking, and presentation skills. We are not looking for a primarily quantitative or experimental researcher. The project does not involve building AI systems.
This project requires someone who is curious about people and organisations. You need to be comfortable approaching and talking with a range of people, building relationships in the field, listening carefully and noticing what happens around you. Ethnographic research also requires persistence. You will be expected to problem solve on the go, keep detailed fieldnotes, conduct and analyse interviews, and share your findings with the team. KIN is a collaborative research group and we regularly share work-in-progress for feedback.
Additional Information
Benefits
A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:
- a salary of € 3.204,00 (PhD) and maximum € 4.051,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
- an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years.
- The successful candidate will join an international research community, starting approximately January 2027. You will develop your doctoral project with supervision at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and collaboration across the EMANAIRE network.
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:
- A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- contribution to commuting expenses
- optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
- a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
Additional comments
Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.
For your application, we would like to learn something about how you think and what you notice. In a one page cover letter, please introduce yourself and your interest in the specific position briefly, and then address the following assignment: Drawing on your own experience of generative AI in a workplace, university or other institution, as well as some additional reading, tell us what you think “AI anomie” might mean. Ground your answer in something you have actually experienced or observed. There is no correct answer. We are interested in how you make sense of a specific experience and how you connect to our project’s topic.
In a two page CV, please share relevant experience, including your masters programme and grades.
Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- Country: Netherlands
- City: Amsterdam
- Postal Code: 1081HV
- Street: De Boelelaan 1105
Contact
- City: Amsterdam
- Website: http://www.vu.nl/
- Street: De Boelelaan 1105
- Postal Code: 1081 HV