PhD position project ‘European Social Survey’ (1.0 fte)

The School of Management and Governance (SMG) is a growing school that strives to hold a leading position in the field of business and social sciences and to do joint education and research with the technical schools of the University of Twente. The school focuses on management, governance, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. In all these fields, the school provides bachelor, master and professional development programmes. In addition, scientific and applied research is carried out in various branches, such as health care, higher education, banking, and services business. Research is accommodated within the university research institutes: The Institute for Governance Studies (IGS), and the Centre for Telematics and Information Technology (CTIT). The school has approximately 350 staff and 2,200 students.

Research in the Department of Political Science and Research Methods focuses on the relationship between citizens and their government in multilevel political systems. Core topics include political behavior, political representation and the legitimacy of government, and the innovation of democratic governance. An emphasis on research methodology is central to all our research endeavors. The department has a strong record in international comparative survey research and is strongly involved in a number of prominent international collaborative projects in the field of electoral research and political representation at the local, national, and European level. Several research projects are commissioned by government agencies and other local, national and international organizations. The Department of Political Science and Research Methods coordinates all courses in research methodology and (quantitative) data analysis for all degree programs (BA, MA/MSc, PhD) offered by the School of Management and Governance. It is also strongly involved in the BA and MSc in Public Administration and European Studies. The department offers (jointly with the School of Behavioral Science) a 2-year Master program on Social Systems Evaluation and Survey Research. A description of our research program can be found at www.mb.utwente.nl/polmt/research/.

The Department of Political Science and Research Methods of the University of Twente invites applications for a:

PhD position

project ‘European Social Survey’

(1.0 fte)

The position

The European Social Survey (www.europeansocialsurvey.org) is an academically-driven social survey designed to chart and explain the interaction between Europe's changing institutions and the attitudes, beliefs and behavior patterns of its diverse populations. Now in its fourth round, the survey covers over 30 nations and employs the most rigorous methodologies.

The National Coordinators of the ESS are the link between the national survey operation and the central ESS organization. The National Coordinators are responsible for the preparation, conduct, delivery and dissemination of the ESS in their country. For Round 5 of the ESS prof. dr. Kees Aarts has been appointed as National Coordinator of the Netherlands. In the context of Round 5, a number of separately funded Development Projects are being prepared. The vacant position involves carrying out one of these projects, focusing on the effects of the choice of sampling frames on core survey variables. The successful candidate will be required to carry out the Development Project under supervision, and to complete a PhD thesis of which the Development Project will be part.

The position also entails participation in the local ESS team at the University of Twente. Some teaching duties will be involved.

Profile

You have a master degree in Political Science, European Studies, Public Administration or a related field in the social sciences. You have a thorough knowledge of the methodology and techniques of empirical social research, as evidenced in your master thesis. You are motivated and able to work independently as well as in collaborative projects. You are proficient in English as well as Dutch.

Employment conditions

We offer a challenging position in a stimulating environment. As a PhD candidate you will be appointed in a full-time position for a period of four years, at the end of which you must have completed your PhD thesis. The gross monthly salary for a PhD increases from € 2042,- in the first year to € 2612,- in the final year (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). In addition, the University of Twente offers additional attractive employment conditions. Our PhD candidates have opportunities to broaden their knowledge by participating in a nationwide research school, by joining international exchange programs, by participating in national and international conferences and workshops, and by visiting other research institutes and universities worldwide.

Information and application

For more information on this position you can contact prof. dr. C.W.A.M. Aarts, chair of the department Political Science and Research Methods, phone: +31 53 4893251, e-mail: c.w.a.m.aarts@utwente.nl. Please send your written application including a full resume, and possibly with references, before September, 11th, 2009 to mbsollicitaties@mb.utwente.nl, stating application number 09/184, attn: prof. dr. P.J.J.M. van Loon, Dean. It is also possible to send your application to the University of Twente, School of Management and Governance, attn: prof. dr. P.J.J.M. van Loon, Dean, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands.