Student Assistant - Democracy & Data Infrastructures

Help Research Democracy in the Data-Driven Society

Data infrastructures increasingly shape how societies are governed, how public services are delivered, and how citizens experience democracy. As Student Assistant, you will join an ambitious European Research Council (ERC)-funded research project investigating the role of data infrastructures in contemporary governance and their implications for democratic life.

You will work closely with the Principal Investigator and an interdisciplinary team of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to both the coordination of the project and its research activities. Your work will combine project management, research support, and science communication. In consultation with the PI you might take meeting notes, help organize an international workshop, coordinate project communications and the team calendar, update the project website and social media, manage research materials and interview data, or curate the project's public knowledge resources.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how an international research project is developed and managed while experiencing cutting-edge research on one of the defining societal transformations of our time: the rise of the data-driven society and its consequences for democracy, governance, and citizens.

This is what you will be doing

• Coordinate the day-to-day activities of an international research project: planning meetings, maintaining project calendars, monitoring tasks and deadlines;
• Support research by organizing empirical data and research materials;
• Manage the project's website, blog, social media, and public Zotero library;
• Help organize workshops, conferences, and public events;
• Prepare newsletters, web content, and other communication materials;
• Assist the Principal Investigator and research team with project administration and financial management.

This is what we ask of you

• You are enrolled in a study (BA second year or more) at a Dutch university, preferably in the social sciences, media studies, or a related field;
• Experience with project coordination, event organization, or science communication is an advantage, but not required;
• You communicate clearly in spoken and written English;
• You are motivated, can work accurately and keep track of multiple tasks and deadlines;
• You have an interest in research on data, technology, governance, and society;
• You take initiative but also enjoy working as part of a collaborative research team;
• You are comfortable using common digital tools. Experience with website management, social media, or Zotero is an advantage.

This is what we offer you

• Starting date upon availability, as soon as possible ideally and otherwise 1 December 2026 and until the end of the student year, i.e. 31-8-2027;
• Depending on study year, the salary falls in scale SA which is between 3.230,00 - 3.288,00 euros gross per month based on full-time employment for a 38-hour working week. In addition, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable;
• Close supervision and mentorship;
• A supportive, international research team that values collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and independence;
• Regular research seminars and informal gatherings that foster a collegial atmosphere;
• A workplace in the heart of Amsterdam, and a vibrant, international academic environment.

This is where you'll be working

You will be working at the Department of Media Studies, and more specifically you will become a member of the New Media team, chaired by prof. dr. R. Rogers. Our international, interdisciplinary research team includes three PhD researchers, two postdoctoral fellows, a student assistant, a lab coordinator, and the Principal Investigator, Prof. Stefania Milan.

The team operates with flattened hierarchies and a strong emphasis on individual responsibility, fostering a collegial and inclusive atmosphere. We value intellectual openness, critical engagement, and mutual support. You'll be encouraged to take initiative and contribute your ideas.

Our shared goal is to explore how data infrastructures are reshaping democracy and governance. We will regularly organize internal workshops and exchanges with societal and academic partners. You'll join a vibrant, collaborative environment committed to both academic excellence and public engagement.

Are you a reliable, detail-oriented student who enjoys organizing, communicating, and supporting a research project? Join our European Research Council-funded group exploring the role of data infrastructures in democracy and contribute to a vibrant international research environment while gaining valuable experience in project coordination and academic research.

Are you motivated, organized and proactive, with an interest in democracy and the data-driven society? Would you like to work closely with an international research team at the forefront of critical data studies? Join us as a Student Assistant and help shape an ambitious ERC-funded research project from the ground up.

This is where you'll be working

You will be working at the Department of Media Studies, and more specifically you will become a member of the New Media team, chaired by prof. dr. R. Rogers. Our international, interdisciplinary research team includes three PhD researchers, two postdoctoral fellows, a student assistant, a lab coordinator, and the Principal Investigator, Prof. Stefania Milan.

The team operates with flattened hierarchies and a strong emphasis on individual responsibility, fostering a collegial and inclusive atmosphere. We value intellectual openness, critical engagement, and mutual support. You'll be encouraged to take initiative and contribute your ideas.

Our shared goal is to explore how data infrastructures are reshaping democracy and governance. We will regularly organize internal workshops and exchanges with societal and academic partners. You'll join a vibrant, collaborative environment committed to both academic excellence and public engagement.

Questions?
For questions about the position or department, you can contact us during office hours at:

Project leader Prof. dr. Stefania Milan (info@datagov.net)

Professor

Application
If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application.

The vacancy closes on 8 October 2026. The first round of interviews will take place in the first half of October 2026.