Postdoctoral Researcher in ERC Starting Grant Project on Multiple Jobholders

AIAS-HSI/ University of Amsterdam invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the ERC Starting Grant project “Moonlighting: Understanding the quality and consequences of working multiple jobs [MOONLIGHT]” (0.8-1.0 fte for 3 years). 

The Postdoc will be working on a subproject within the ERC Starting Grant research project “Moonlighting: Understanding the quality and consequences of working multiple jobs  [MOONLIGHT]”, funded by the European Research Council (ERC) for the period 2024-2029, and directed by Dr. Wieteke Conen (Senior Researcher at AIAS-HSI/ University of Amsterdam).

MOONLIGHT project

The project studies the quality of work and wellbeing of contemporary multiple jobholders. Working in the new economy is increasingly of a flexible and fragmented nature. Multiple jobholders [MJHs], or so-called moonlighters, can be considered emblematic of how work fragmentation and combinations affect the quality of work and total worker wellbeing. MOONLIGHT will research the quality of work in first, second and other jobs and how this translates into total worker wellbeing. MOONLIGHT will study the quality and wellbeing of MJHs through comparative research in seven advanced economies: Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States - countries with increasing levels of MJHs, but different welfare state traditions, regulations and norms. The research will rely on new comparative cross-national and dynamic data. A unique and crucial feature of the programme’s empirical approach is the development of an app for dynamic quality and wellbeing assessment. A full description of the project and all its subprojects can be found here .

Subproject: Multiple jobholders in context

Within the project, we have an exciting vacancy for a postdoctoral researcher. This position offers a unique opportunity to delve into the meso- and macro-level factors shaping MJH behaviour and outcomes. For instance, we aim to investigate how organizational characteristics (meso-level) influence workers' decisions to engage in multiple jobs, considering both constraint and opportunity hypotheses. At the macro level, our inquiry extends to national-level regulations and work ethics, examining how these factors influence individuals' choices to pursue multiple jobs (instead of – for instance - relying on social assistance).

The project takes an ambitious multi-method approach, including desk research, qualitative research, comparative cross-national survey research and the development of an app for dynamic prevalence and quality assessment. The postdoctoral researcher assists the principal investigator in organising the data collection and will be particularly involved in organising the app research . The specific mix of (other) aspects the candidate will be involved in will be determined by mutual agreement, depending on expertise and openness to learning.

Do you enjoy:

• doing research for a conceptually and empirically groundbreaking project on the quality and wellbeing of multiple jobholders;
• working in a close-knit team;
• improving your skills to develop into a versatile researcher skilled in multiple methods;
• visiting various countries (for fieldwork purposes, conferences and seminars)

Then the job of  Postdoctoral researcher within the ERC-funded MOONLIGHT project at the University of Amsterdam is perfect for you as a highly versatile professional.

What are you going to do?

Your tasks as a Postdoctoral researcher within the ERC project (0,8 fte) will include the following: 

• Mapping the relevant legal and institutional framework of MJHs in the different countries (based on e.g. document analyses and/or expert interviews);
• Write a literature review on the impact of the industry and organisations (meso-level) and institutions (macro-level) on the prevalence, quality and wellbeing of MJHs;
• Assist the PI in managing the research programme and organising the data collections (in any case the app research);
• Publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals on the topic ‘multiple jobholders in context’;
• Participation in meetings of the project research group;
• Presenting papers at national and international conferences and workshops;
• Participating in the intellectual life and contribute to the research profile of AIAS-HSI;
• Contributing to the organization of the events and outreach activities within the project.

Depending on interests and expertise, candidates with a good command of the Dutch language can potentially take on additional research tasks for the project hybrid working in the Netherlands . The appointment may in consultation be adjusted to 0,9 or 1,0 fte, and/or extended in duration.

What do you have to offer?

• A PhD degree in one of the social or behavioural sciences, such as sociology, economics or psychology, preferably on a labour-related topic;
• experience in independently conducting research, with proven track record of academic publications and/ or (public) outreach;
• proven methodological skills (qualitative and/or quantitative);
• experience with or willingness to learn how to conduct/ analyse dynamic app data;
• good skills working in teams and willingness to support PhD students working on the project;
• full professional working proficiency in English (speaking, writing, reading);
• working knowledge of any of the languages from the countries included in the project (Danish, Dutch,  German, Italian or Polish) would be an added value.

International candidates are encouraged to apply, but must be willing to relocate to the Netherlands for the duration of the position.

What can we offer you?

We offer you the opportunity to work in an intellectually stimulating and teamwork-oriented environment. We are committed to offering tailor-made and careful supervision with the main aim of allowing you to grow and flourish academically and professionally.

We offer a 0.8 fte position (38 hours/week) as postdoctoral researcher. Candidates with a good command of the Dutch language can potentially take on additional research tasks (appointment will be adjusted accordingly). The initial appointment is for one year. Following a positive assessment your appointment will be extended for another 2 years. The start date will be mutually agreed upon; it is currently scheduled around 1 November 2024.

Your salary, depending on your relevant experience on commencement of the employment contract, ranges between € 3,226 to € 5,090 gross salary per month, based on 38 hours per week. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

About us

You will work at research centre AIAS-HSI , affiliated to the Amsterdam Law School. AIAS-HSI has the most interdisciplinary group of scientists in the field of industrial relations and employment issues in the Netherlands. There is a scientific staff of approximately 10 FTE, divided over 16 employees with different disciplinary backgrounds, including lawyers, economists, sociologists and political scientists.

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact the PI of the project:

Dr. Wieteke Conen: [email protected] .

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your letter and CV. You can apply online via the link below. We will accept applications until 15 May 2024. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Your application should include:

• A letter of motivation (max. 2 A4);
• Your CV, including education, employment history, publications, and organisational experience;
• Names, positions, and email addresses of two referees (no reference letters); please list these on your CV rather than filling them out separately in the system.

The first round of application interviews will take place in May 2024, either on-site or online.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please.