PhD Position on Comparative Labour Relations, Internationalization and Inequality at, AISSR, Netherlands

‘Comparative labour relations, internationalisation and inequality’ The area is directed by Prof. Jelle Visser (AISSR and the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Labour Studies (AIAS)), in cooperation with Prof. Herman van de Werfhorst (AISSR and the Amsterdam Centre for Inequality Studies (AMCIS)). This is an ‘open’ advertisement, meaning that applications are invited on the basis of the candidates’ own research proposals. Only proposals that fall within the themes of the group’s research programme will be considered. Please consult the programme description by following the link ‘Institutions, Inequalities and Internationalisation’ below.

Within the area of ‘Comparative labour relations, internationalisation and inequality’ comparison of labour relations (uni0ns, collective bargaining, industrial conflict, minimum wage setting, labour standards) is the main focus of research. Three themes are of particular interest on the present research agenda, but this list is not exhaustive.

  1. The explanation of the stagnation of real wages and the rise in inequality in many countries in relation to uni0n power and changes in collective bargaining and minimum wage setting. This can be studied cross-sectionally and chronologically, at the aggregate level (entire economies, for particular sectors, and at the level of firms), for instance with the help of the European company survey.
  2. The role and diffusion of labour standards in developing economies in relation to economic and social development, competitive advantage and narrowing income differences between poor and rich countries.
  3. Regional integration (in different areas of the world) and the development of social policies and transnational labour relations.

The research makes use of various quantitative databases, such as the Database on Institutional Characteristics of Trade Uni0ns, Wage Setting, State Intervention and Social Pacts in 34 countries between1960 and 2009 (ICTWSS), which can be accessed at the AIAS website, databases at ILO, OECD, the Worldbank, Eurostat and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. Within these loosely defined research themes, a specific PhD project will be defined in cooperation between the PhD researcher and the supervisor, matching the interests and skills of the researcher.

Applicants are invited to write a three-page research proposal which, if selected, can be the basis of the research for the PhD thesis.

Tasks

  • Conducting research, writing a dissertation and other publications
  • Teaching in the field of social sciences for at least 10% of the time
  • Participating in the AISSR PhD programme, including following courses
  • Participating in conferences and seminars

Requirements

  • Completed Master’s degree in Sociology or another related Social Science
  • Selection will be based on the quality of research plan and CV

Further information
Further enquiries can be obtained from Prof. Jelle Visser (jelle.visser@uva.nl).

Appointment
The gross monthtly salary will be € 2042 in the first year and € 2612 in the fourth year in case of a full-time position (38 hrs / week). Secondary working conditions at Dutch universities are attractive and include 8% holiday pay and 8.3% end of year bonus.

Job application
The starting date for the project should be between 1 November 2010 and 1 February 2011. Application requirements: a letter explaining interest and commitment, a three-page research proposal (including operationalized resarch questions, theoretical framework, research method, and considerations on selection of the empirical object), a complete CV, two letters of recommendation, a list with subjects taken and obtained grades during university education.

Applicants should send their full application before 22 October 2010, by email to: application-soca-fmg@uva.nl Emailed applications should bear the vacancy number in the subject line and the other documents as attachments.

1.0 FTE (38hrs/week)

Vacancy number 10-2084

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