PhD position in Media and Popular Culture

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) at the Erasmus University Rotterdam is pleased to announce a challenging PhD position that delves into the intricate dynamics and implications of (un)cancel culture within the realm of global popular culture, both in digital and non-digital spaces. Popular culture and its social context are deeply intertwined, with each influencing and reflecting the other. From movements like #MeToo and #OscarsSoWhite to the January 6th Insurrection at the Capitol, popular culture has become a platform for addressing important societal issues such as inequality, representation, and polarization. At the forefront of this intersection lies cancel culture, encompassing both cancel practices and cancel discourses. By examining its origins, dynamics, and consequences, the project seeks to comprehend its impact on various stakeholders, ranging from audiences and celebrities to cancel discourses and the broader cultural landscape in the Netherlands and beyond. This innovative exploration offers insights into the multifaceted nature of cancel culture, while also providing an understanding of ‘uncanceling.’ Using qualitative research methods, candidates interested in this PhD position investigate the role of digital (platforms, technologies) and traditional media in shaping and perpetuating cancel culture as a phenomenon. Ultimately, the project aims to inform critical discussions on and strategies to navigate the complexities of cancel culture.

The successful candidate will be based at the Department of Arts and Culture Studies of the ESHCC and will carry out the following tasks:

Research (0.8 fte)

• Conducting PhD research.
• Publishing and presenting research results in the form of articles in international peer reviewed journals and papers at international conferences.
• Writing a dissertation within the appointment duration of four years.
• Taking part in seminars, workshops etc. that are organized by the Erasmus Research Institute for Media, Culture, History and Society (ERMeCHS) as well as the Department of Arts and Culture Studies.

Teaching (0.2 fte)
Performing junior teaching tasks in the BA degree programmes in the field of Arts and Culture provided by ESHCC, primarily through tutorial group teaching.

Service
Contributing to small management tasks of the department.

 REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible, a candidate must have:

• A (research) master degree or equivalent with a relevant specialization within the social sciences or humanities, such as sociology, media studies, communication, cultural studies, anthropology, history, and/or related disciplines;
• Familiarity with and keen interest in qualitative research methods;
• Independent thinking and critical analytical skills;
• Good collaboration skills and an ability to join interdisciplinary and intercultural academic communities;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (CEFR C1);
• Motivation to carry out high level research and publish in renowned peer reviewed international journals.

 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

An internationally oriented and varied job in an enthusiastic team, with good working conditions in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

The start date of this position is 1 November 2023 and will run for a fixed term of 1.5 year initially, to be converted into a 4-year contract contingent upon a good performance.

The position is for 1.0 FTE. The salary ranges from a minimum of € 2.541 to a maximum of € 3.247 gross per month on a fulltime basis, in accordance with scale P of the CAO-NU. In addition, we offer an 8% holiday allowance, an end-of-year payment of 8.3%, and a very generous paid leave scheme. Furthermore, EUR is affiliated with ABP for the pension provision, and we offer partially paid parental leave, fully paid extended birth leave for partners, a personal career budget, work-life balance coaches, discounted collective health insurance, and more. As an employee, you can also use EUR facilities such as the University library and receive a discount on subscriptions for the Erasmus sports center.

Erasmus University Rotterdam offers a Dual Career Programme (DCP) to assist the life partners of new academic staff (on payroll) in finding employment in The Netherlands. The programme is offered in close cooperation with the nearby universities of Delft and Leiden.

Erasmus University Rotterdam aspires to be an equitable and inclusive community. We nurture an open culture, where everyone is supported to fulfil their full potential. We see inclusivity of talent as the basis of our successes, and the diversity of perspectives and people as a highly valued outcome. EUR provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, functional impairment, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

 EMPLOYER

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is an internationally oriented university with a strong social orientation in its education and research, as expressed in our mission ‘Creating positive societal impact’. EUR is home to 3.700 academics and professionals and almost 33.000 students from more than 140 countries. Everything we do, we do under the credo The Erasmian Way – Making Minds Matter. We’re global citizens, connecting, entrepreneurial, open-minded, and socially involved. These Erasmian Values function as our internal compass and create EUR’s distinctive and recognizable profile. From these values, with a broad perspective and with an eye for diversity, different backgrounds and opinions, our employees work closely together to solve societal challenges from the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. Thanks to the high quality and positive societal impact of our research and education, EUR can compete with the top European universities. www.eur.nl

 DEPARTMENT

Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC)

The Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) is part of Erasmus University Rotterdam. The school has three departments: History,  Arts and Culture and Media & Communication. There are approximately 2500 students and 220 employees.

ESHCC offers high quality education, based on scientific research, at the intersection of the Humanities and Social Sciences. We teach our ambitious, Dutch and international students in a stimulating learning environment. After graduation, they will have acquired the knowledge, insight and skills to make an important and inspiring contribution to an increasingly international society in which diversity plays a major role.

The ESHCC also has an ambitious research agenda. We want to strengthen our involvement in multidisciplinary research, expand the share of external funding in our total research funding and increase our social impact. ESHCC is working towards one research institute, the Erasmus Institute for Media, Culture, History and Society (ERMeCHS).

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:

About Erasmus University Rotterdam

About Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication

About ERMeCHS

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from dr. Simone Driessen (driessen@eshcc.eur.nl)

To apply, please send (1) your motivation letter, (2) your resume including publication list (if applicable), (3) a brief research project idea of max. 300 words and (4) the names and contact details of two potential references (no letters of recommendation are required at this stage) before 12 July 2023 via the Apply now button. Please mention PhD position in Media and Popular Culture as subject in your e-mail.

The selection committee will invite a small number of candidates for an (online) interview. Candidates may be asked to submit a more detailed research plan and/or give a presentation as part of the application procedure.

Acquisition and mediation by third parties is not appreciated.