PhD in Cultural Sociology and Media Studies: Audience Experience and Mobile Media Use in Live Music University of Groningen in Netherlands

The University of Groningen is offering a fully-funded PhD position in Cultural Sociology and Media Studies, focusing on audience experience and mobile media use in live music events. This interdisciplinary project bridges sociology, media studies, digital anthropology, and urban geography, aiming to explore how physical and digital spaces interact to shape live event experiences. The research will investigate the relationship between audience experience, spatial positioning, and digital engagement at live music events, using mixed-method approaches such as spatial mapping, qualitative interviews, and media analysis.

The successful candidate will conduct original research on audience experience in live music settings, collect and analyze data on audience movement and mobile phone use, and present findings at academic conferences. The project encourages methodological innovation, including ethnographic fieldwork, digital media analysis, and geotracking. Supervision will be provided by Dr Beate Peter and Dr Femke Vandenberg from the Department of Arts, Culture and Media. The candidate will also participate in departmental activities and represent the Groningen Research Institute for the Study of Culture (ICOG).

Applicants should have a (Research) Master’s degree in Sociology, Media Studies, Digital Anthropology, Urban Geography, or a related field, with strong academic writing and research skills. Experience in ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, or digital media analysis is required, and interest in audience studies and digital engagement is essential. The position is fully funded, offering a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881, generous vacation time, bonuses, and professional development opportunities. The appointment is for four years, with an initial one-year contract and a performance review after six months.

To apply, candidates must submit a motivation statement, research proposal, CV, MA diploma and grades, MA thesis, and contact details of two academic referees. If the degree is not in English or Dutch, a language certificate is required. The deadline for applications is January 8, 2026. For more information, visit the University of Groningen job portal or contact Dr Beate Peter at [email protected].