PhD Candidate in Time, Relationships, and Health (MakingTime Project)
Develop innovative research on how time, relationships, and health transform after childbirth within an interdisciplinary PhD programme.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a master’s in social sciences, humanities, or health sciences, strong qualitative research skills, and a passion for interdisciplinary inquiry into time, relationships, and health.
Overview
This PhD position at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) offers the opportunity to contribute to the interdisciplinary 'MakingTime' project, which explores how partner relationships and health evolve after the arrival of a child, with a focus on temporal dynamics. The successful candidate will develop their own research agenda while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to advance a new theoretical framework on time management in daily life. The project integrates qualitative methods, historical analysis, and participatory approaches to inform care and support systems. PhD candidates will engage in teaching (10% of their time), publish findings, and participate in public-facing activities. The position is embedded in the AISSR PhD programme and offers mentorship from leading researchers in sociology, humanities, and health sciences.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent PhD research within the MakingTime project framework, contributing to multiple project components while developing your own research focus.
- Develop and execute qualitative research projects, including data collection (e.g., interviews, observations, archival research) and analysis.
- Collaborate closely with the core MakingTime team to integrate findings across historical, sociological, and health perspectives.
- Publish research outcomes in academic journals or as a monograph, and co-author publications with team members.
- Teach undergraduate courses in sociology (10% of working hours) and contribute to public-facing activities like workshops or policy briefs.
- Participate in national and international conferences, and engage in professional development through the AISSR PhD programme.
- Organize and manage qualitative fieldwork, ensuring ethical handling of sensitive data and diverse perspectives.
Requirements
Degree required: A completed master’s degree in social sciences, humanities, or health sciences, with demonstrated expertise in qualitative and interpretative research methods.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Dutch; advanced proficiency (spoken and written) for qualitative data interpretation.
Instruction: English (for supervision and academic output); Dutch (for fieldwork and data analysis).
- Proven experience with qualitative data collection and analysis (e.g., interviews, observations, archival research).
- Strong theoretical and methodological foundation in social sciences, humanities, or health sciences.
- Excellent command of Dutch (spoken and written) for interpreting qualitative data, including interviews, observations, and historical sources.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
- No restrictions on nationality or residency.
- Applicants must hold a master’s degree by the start date (1 March 2027).
- No age or prior experience caps.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Submit a single PDF file containing a CV (max. 2 pages) and a motivation letter (max. 800 words). The motivation letter must address three key questions: (1) your intellectual interest in the MakingTime project, (2) how you would develop or refine the project’s focus, and (3) a reflective account of a significant research experience. Full applications must be received by 15 October 2026.
- CV (max. 2 pages)
- Motivation letter (max. 800 words)
Contact
Christian Bröer· Project Leader and Chair of the Selection Committee
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