PhD Position: Minority Representation in European Heritage Tourism and Media (HERITOUR Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network) Erasmus University Rotterdam in Netherlands

The Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) at Erasmus University Rotterdam invites applications for a PhD position as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network fellowship, HERITOUR – Enhancing collaborative synergies between Cultural HERItage and TOURism. HERITOUR is a multi-university, interdisciplinary project examining how cultural heritage and tourism sectors can collaborate to address shared challenges and reduce negative impacts such as overtourism, environmental degradation, and social disruption. The network includes Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Stavanger, Middle East Technical University, University of Aruba, Mid Sweden University, and University of Granada.

This PhD project critically investigates the representation of ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities within European heritage tourism, focusing on sites shaped by popular culture and media exposure. It explores how film, television, literature, music, games, and digital platforms construct tourism imaginaries—shared narratives that define heritage, visibility, and belonging. The research draws on media studies and critical heritage studies to analyze heritage tourism as a mediated, power-laden field where representation, regulation, and access intersect. Using multi-sited qualitative ethnography at media-related and popular-culture heritage sites across Europe and its overseas territories, the project examines how minority narratives are framed, contested, or marginalized within interpretative strategies, diversity policies, and site management practices. The aim is to reconcile heritage protection with social justice through participatory and reflexive approaches to heritage management.

The position is embedded in Work Package 4 “democratisation” and supervised by Prof.dr. Stijn Reijnders and Dr. Naomi Oosterman (Erasmus University Rotterdam), and Prof.dr. Maria Lexhagen (Mid Sweden University). Doctoral candidates will undertake two secondments at Cas di Cultura (Aruba) and KORDER (Türkiye), gaining practical experience in heritage and tourism organizations. The role includes conducting PhD research, publishing in international peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, participating in HERITOUR training schools, and writing a dissertation within three years. Candidates will also engage in seminars and workshops organized by the Erasmus Research Institute for Media, Culture, History and Society (ERMeCHS) and the HERITOUR consortium.

Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the European or Caribbean territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the start date (unless for compulsory national service or refugee status). Candidates must not already possess a doctoral degree. A (research) master degree or equivalent in relevant social sciences or humanities disciplines (cultural heritage, sociology, tourism studies, media studies, anthropology, or related fields) is required. Familiarity with qualitative research methods, independent thinking, critical analytical skills, collaboration skills, and excellent oral and written English (CEFR C1) are essential. Motivation to conduct high-level research and publish internationally is expected.

The position offers a salary (living and mobility allowance) ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month (full-time, 38 hours), in accordance with the CAO-NU. The contract is for three years, with an additional family allowance available for eligible candidates. Benefits include paid leave, holiday pay, end-of-year bonus, pension contributions, insurance discounts, compensation for travel and home internet, and support for relocation (30%-ruling and Dual Career Programme). The work environment is sustainable, inclusive, and diverse, with opportunities for personal and professional development, access to university library, and networks such as Young@EUR, FAME, and QuEUR.

To apply, submit a completed and signed Declaration of Honours (downloadable from www.heritour.eu or the HERITOUR LinkedIn page), a motivation letter (max. half an A4), your CV including publication list, a brief research idea (max. 300 words), and names/contact details of two potential references by 19 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview in May 2026 and may be asked to submit a more detailed research plan or give a presentation. Persons of all gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, ethnicities, ages, neurodiversities, functional impairments, and citizenships are encouraged to apply and join the EUR community.

For further information, contact Dr. Naomi Oosterman at [email protected] or Dr. Bozhidar Ivanov, Project Manager, at [email protected] .