Katharina Bauer

This full-time PhD position at Erasmus School of Philosophy, Erasmus University Rotterdam, is part of the NWO-funded research project 'Dignity in Place.' The project aims to develop a novel, experience-based ethics of 'migration with dignity' by combining philosophical analysis with participatory research and co-creation of knowledge alongside migrant communities. The research addresses the limitations of traditional debates on dignity, which often fail to capture the nuanced, undignified experiences of migrants, such as hostility, disrespect, and marginalization, as well as the positive practices of creating dignified spaces in urban environments. As a PhD researcher, you will work closely with Dr. Katharina Bauer, the project lead, and collaborate with partners including migrant communities in Rotterdam and Bochum, the Center for Religious Studies in Bochum, and experts from related fields. Your responsibilities will include developing your own PhD research in alignment with the project's objectives, organizing Socratic discussion sessions and in-depth interviews with migrant community members, visiting and assessing urban spaces used by these communities, and analyzing the resulting data. You will disseminate your findings through scholarly publications and contribute to a book, as well as engage in societal outreach by co-organizing a city lab in Rotterdam and facilitating knowledge exchange between experts and stakeholders. The project also aims to translate research outcomes into practical outputs, such as design options and policy recommendations. Upon completion, you will earn a PhD from Erasmus University Rotterdam. The position offers funding through the Dutch Research Council (NWO), including salary and benefits according to Dutch university standards. Applicants should have a relevant Master’s degree, strong interdisciplinary interest, and excellent English skills. Experience with participatory research and/or migrant communities is preferred. The application process is detailed on the AcademicTransfer website.

This fully funded PhD position at Erasmus School of Philosophy, Erasmus University Rotterdam, is part of the NWO-funded project 'Dignity in Place.' The research aims to develop an experience-based ethics of migration, focusing on (un)dignified experiences and practices among migrant communities in urban environments. The project combines fundamental philosophical analysis of dignity with participatory research, co-creating knowledge with migrant communities in Rotterdam and Bochum. As the PhD researcher, you will work closely with Dr. Katharina Bauer, the project lead, and collaborate with partners such as the Center for Religious Studies in Bochum and other experts. Your responsibilities include developing your own PhD research aligned with project objectives, organizing Socratic discussion sessions and in-depth interviews with migrant community members, assessing urban spaces used by these communities, and analyzing qualitative data. You will publish your findings in academic journals and contribute to a book, as well as participate in societal outreach through city labs and knowledge exchange events, translating research into policy recommendations and design options. The position offers a 4-year contract (0.8–1 fte), a competitive salary (€3,059–€3,881/month), generous paid leave, pension contributions, bonuses, and support for relocation and work-life balance. Applicants should have a master's degree in a relevant field (Philosophy, Religious Studies, Migration Studies, Urban Studies), strong interest and expertise in ethics and political philosophy, experience with empirical research methods, excellent English skills, and Dutch language proficiency (or willingness to acquire it). The application deadline is November 20, 2025, with interviews scheduled for December. Erasmus University Rotterdam is a leading, internationally oriented institution committed to diversity, inclusion, and positive societal impact. For more information, contact Dr. Katharina Bauer at the provided email address.