Amsterdam Business School is looking for a PhD candidate for a project on marketing and polarization.

Polarization – the increasing divide between individuals and groups based on their beliefs and opinions – is a growing trend in modern society. It can lead to a lack of compromise, increased tension, and the erosion of the shared values that bind communities together. Polarization can also make it difficult to address complex social and political issues, as people become entrenched in their positions and unwilling to listen to opposing viewpoints. With the rise of technology and social media, it has become easier for people to find and surround themselves with like-minded individuals, further perpetuating and amplifying the trend of polarization in society.

In this project, we look at the impact of marketing and, in particular, brand activism, on polarization. Brand activism refers to companies taking a stand on political or social issues in order to align with their values and engage with consumers. While brand activism has the potential to raise awareness and spark positive change, it also runs the risk of contributing to the trend of polarization in society by alienating customers with differing opinions and reinforce existing divides. We are particularly interested to investigate how marketing can help to bridge polarization, rather than amplify it. The goal of bridging is to increase mutual understanding and trust across divides, creating space for productive conflict, deliberation, or cooperation.

The supervisory team consists of prof. dr. Ko de Ruyter, dr. Joris Demmers, and prof. dr. Willemijn van Dolen. The position is for a four-year full-time position as a PhD candidate at the Marketing section of the Amsterdam Business School. The starting date is 1 September 2023.

What are you going to do

As a PhD candidate for this project, you will:

• Develop novel conceptual frameworks informed by relevant theories, and collect empirical data, that will significantly advance the fields of sustainable consumption and related fields;
• Actively collaborate with researchers from Amsterdam Business School;
• Present research findings at prestigious academic conferences and journals;
• Pursue and complete a PhD thesis within the appointed duration of four years;
• Assist in teaching activities, such as teach marketing courses and supervise BSc and MSc theses.

What do we require

The ideal candidate for this position:

• Has a research master’s or nearly completed research master’s degree in social sciences (e.g. business, psychology, or sociology) with a good academic track record.
• has excellent knowledge of research methods and statistical methods;
• has excellent communication skills in English, both in speech and in writing.
• has a proactive, collaborative, and creative working approach;
• (basic) programming skills is considered an advantage for this position.

Our offer

The candidate will be offered a four-year full-time position as a PhD candidate at the Marketing section of the Amsterdam Business School. A custom educational plan will be drafted, which will include attendance of courses and (international) conferences.

The gross monthly salary will range from €2541 in the first year to €3247 in the last year, plus an additional 16% of holiday and end-of-year payments. The Collective Labor Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities is applicable.

A temporary reduction in income tax (equal to 30% of taxable salary) may apply to non-Dutch candidates. The Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities is applicable.

We believe it is important that you continue to develop and professionalize yourself. To this end, we offer excellent study and development opportunities. 

What else do we offer

• A function in which your own initiative and input is strongly valued;
• an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment at the Amsterdam Business School, one of the top 1% business schools in the world with a Triple Crown accreditation, located in the center of Amsterdam.

About the faculty

The marketing department at Amsterdam Business School is a growing interdisciplinary group of currently 15 faculty members with expertise in a broad range of topics and research methods. The members of the department publish in the top-tier marketing journals as well as top journals in related disciplines such as management and psychology. All members of the department are passionately involved in teaching in BSc and MSc programs. The atmosphere is international, inclusive, and collaborative. At the marketing department at Amsterdam Business School we do research that makes a substantial positive impact and reflects our ambition for a bright future.

UvA's Faculty of Economics and Business holds the prestigious Triple Crown status (AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accredited). It is ranked 51st worldwide on the subject of Economics and Business (QS World University Rankings 2019). UvA is member of the League of European Research Universities and Universitas 21 (network of 27 leading research-intensive universities in 17 countries). The Amsterdam Business School (ABS) is located in the heart of Amsterdam, the cultural and business capital of the Netherlands, which offers a cosmopolitan living environment with excellent connections to the rest of the world. Within UvA, ABS offers executive, graduate and undergraduate programs in accounting, finance, management, marketing and strategy. ABS is triple-crown accredited (AACBS, AMBA, EQUIS). Business school researchers have access to excellent facilities, including all major financial databases, an experimental economics lab, and a behavioral lab.

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society

Interested about what your potential colleagues have to say about working at UvA Amsterdam Business School?

Please check this link PhD to watch a short video about working as a PhD at UvA Amsterdam Business School. 

Find more information about Economics and Business on uva.nl/eb.
Find more information about the Amsterdam Business School on abs.uva.nl.

To know more about working at the University of Amsterdam, please check this link and uva.nl/working-at-eb

Questions

For enquiries about this position, please contact:

Dr. Joris Demmers, chair marketing department: j.demmers@uva.nl

Job application

You can apply online via the link below. We would like to receive all together in one PDF:

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Cover Letter including two academic reference letters. The closing date is 1 June 2023.

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.