PhD in Minority Representation in European Heritage, Tourism and Media Erasmus University Rotterdam in Netherlands

PhD opportunity at Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) for a project on minority representation in European heritage, tourism and media. The position is part of the HERITOUR Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, which explores how cultural heritage and tourism can collaborate more effectively through democratic, sustainable, and regenerative governance.

The research project focuses on how ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities are represented within European heritage tourism, especially at sites shaped by film, television, literature, music, games, and digital platforms. It uses media studies, critical heritage studies, and qualitative ethnography to examine how tourism imaginaries, policy, representation, access, and site governance interact. The project is embedded in Work Package 4 on democratisation.

Supervision is by Prof. Stijn Reijnders, Dr. Naomi Oosterman (both Erasmus University Rotterdam), and Prof. Maria Lexhagen (Mid Sweden University). The successful candidate will also complete secondments at Cas di Cultura (Aruba) and KORDER (Türkiye).

Eligibility highlights: applicants must have a relevant research master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences or humanities (for example cultural heritage, sociology, tourism studies, media studies, anthropology, or related fields), must not already hold a PhD, and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule (limited prior residence/activity in the Netherlands/Caribbean territories). Strong English (C1), qualitative research experience, collaboration skills, and motivation to publish are required.

Funding includes a salary/living and mobility allowance of €3,059–€3,881 gross per month on a full-time basis, plus a possible family allowance. The contract is for three years. Deadline: 19 April 2026.

Apply via the Erasmus University Rotterdam vacancy page and consult the HERITOUR project website for the broader network and related openings.