Rachel Spronk

The University of Amsterdam’s Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is offering three full-time PhD positions in Anthropology, focusing on the social life of sexuality. The project, led by Professor Rachel Spronk at the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR), investigates erotic practices, cultural formations, and the unruliness of sexuality through ethnographic research. The research centers on individuals whose sexual identities do not fit neatly into established categories, including queer, LGBT+, and heterosexual people, and explores how sexuality is culturally understood and expressed. PhD candidates will develop and conduct their own research within the project’s framework, with a significant fieldwork component (10–12 months) in Ghana, Kenya, or Poland. The project emphasizes ethnography, gender studies, sexuality studies, and queer theory, and encourages applicants with backgrounds in anthropology, gender/sexuality studies, and related social sciences or humanities. Responsibilities include contributing to collaborative publications, supporting team members, participating in meetings, teaching (up to 10%), and organizational tasks. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in social sciences or humanities, preferably anthropology or gender/sexuality studies, and demonstrate excellent English skills. They should be willing and able to conduct challenging fieldwork abroad and possess qualities such as independence, proactivity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Preferred qualifications include prior ethnographic research experience, especially on gender and sexuality, knowledge of queer, postcolonial, decolonial, or postsocialist theory, and some proficiency or willingness to learn local languages (Twi, Kiswahili, or Polish). The position offers a competitive salary (€3,059–€3,881/month), an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% year-end bonus, and extensive secondary benefits such as pension, leave, and professional development opportunities. The initial contract is for one year, extendable to four years upon positive assessment. Application materials should be submitted as a single PDF and include a motivation letter, CV, Master’s diploma, contact information for two academic references, and a writing sample. The application deadline is 9 March 2026, with interviews for shortlisted candidates scheduled for early April 2026. For more information, contact Prof. Rachel Spronk ([email protected]). Further details and the application portal are available on the University of Amsterdam’s vacancies website.