Research in the Department of Political Science and Research Methods focuses on
the relationship between citizens and their government in multilevel political
systems. Core topics include political behaviour, political representation and
the legitimacy of government, and the innovation of democratic governance. An
emphasis on research methodology is central to all our research endeavours. The
department has a strong record in international comparative survey research and
is strongly involved in a number of prominent international collaborative
projects in the field of electoral research and political representation at the
local, national, and European level. Several research projects are commissioned
by government agencies and other local, national and international
organizations. The Department of Political Science and Research Methods
coordinates all courses in research methodology and (quantitative) data analysis
for all degree programmes (BA, MA/MSc, PhD) offered by the ! School of
Management and Governance. It is also strongly involved in the BA and MSc in
Public Administration and European Studies. The department offers (jointly with
the School of Behavioural Science) a 2-year Master programme on Social Systems
Evaluation and Survey Research. A description of our research programme can be
found at www.mb.utwente.nl/polmt/research/
https://xs.utwente.nl/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.mb.utwente.nl/polmt/r\
esearch/


The position

We invite candidates who hold a master's degree (or equivalent) to send us brief
(single-page) proposals for research projects that fit into the research
activities of the department and that can result in a PhD thesis (monograph or
collection of articles). The proposal should outline a research problem, a draft
research question, and an indication of the research strategy.


Profile

You have a master degree in Political Science, European Studies, Public
Administration or a related field in the social sciences. You have a thorough
knowledge of the methodology and techniques of empirical social research, as
evidenced in your master thesis. You are motivated and able to work
independently as well as in collaborative projects.


Employment conditions

We offer a challenging position in a stimulating environment. As a PhD candidate
you will be appointed in a full-time position for a period of four years, at the
end of which you must have completed your PhD thesis. The gross monthly salary
for a PhD increases from EUR 2042,- in the first year to EUR 2612,- in the final
year (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch
Universities). In addition, the University of Twente offers additional
attractive employment conditions. Our PhD candidates have opportunities to
broaden their knowledge by participating in a nationwide research school, by
joining international exchange programs, by participating in national and
international conferences and workshops, and by visiting other research
institutes and universities worldwide.


Information and application

For more information on this position you can contact prof. dr. C.W.A.M. Aarts,
chair of the department Political Science and Research Methods, phone: NL +31
534893251 Call,
e-mail: c.w.a.m.aarts@... <mailto:c.w.a.m.aarts@...> . Please send
your
written application including a full resume, your research proposal, and
possibly with
references, before July 20th, 2009 to the University of Twente, School of
Management and
Governance, attn: prof. dr. P.J.J.M. van Loon, Dean, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE
Enschede, the
Netherlands, stating application number 09/144. It is also possible to send your
application by e-mail to mbsollicitaties@...