About the Program
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) invites applications for a fully-funded 4-year PhD position in modern history within the ERC Synergy-funded BLOCKADE project. Supervised by Samuël Kruizinga, this PhD focuses on interwar blockades and sanctions (1919–1939), examining how the League of Nations and other international actors used economic blockades as political tools. The project explores sanctions against Japan, Italy, and the Spanish Civil War, combining archival research, quantitative and qualitative methods, and interdisciplinary analysis. Based at the Amsterdam School for Historical Studies (ASH), the position offers an international, collaborative research environment, integration into a network of European universities, and opportunities for conference participation, BA-level teaching, and professional development. This research contributes to understanding the global impact of blockades and sanctions and aligns with ASH’s goal of advancing interdisciplinary historical scholarship.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Amsterdam
- Department/Faculty: Amsterdam School for Historical Studies, Faculty of Humanities
- Supervisor: Samuël Kruizinga
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Start Date (Anticipated): January – February 2026
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Full PhD salary (scale P), tuition fee waiver, research and conference funding, career development support
- Working Hours: 38 hours/week (full-time)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in history or related discipline
Research Focus/Area
- Modern history (1914–1945)
- Interwar political history and international sanctions
- Global and economic blockades during and after World Wars
- European and international diplomatic, legal, and military history
- Quantitative and qualitative archival research
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Completed Master’s degree in history or related discipline
- Knowledge of European and international history (1914–1945)
- Strong research skills demonstrated via Master’s thesis
- Ability to read source materials in relevant languages
- Excellent command of English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in quantitative or qualitative historical methods
- Interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative research
- Ability to communicate research to academic and public audiences
- Strong cooperative and organisational skills
Key Features of the Program
- Integration into the ERC BLOCKADE project across Amsterdam, Trondheim, Hamburg, and Freiburg
- Participation in workshops, seminars, and international conferences
- Opportunities to contribute to BA-level teaching (0.2 FTE per year)
- Access to Graduate School of Humanities courses and Dutch National Research Schools
- Generous funding for research and travel
- International, collaborative, and supportive work environment
Application Process
How to Apply: Submit your application via the AcademicTransfer portal.
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- Research plan including a provisional 4-year work plan (2–4 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Transcript of grades from Master’s studies
- Contact information for two referees
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 2 October 2025
- Deadline: 16 November 2025
- Interviews (if applicable): To be communicated
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Amsterdam
- Official Notification: AcademicTransfer UvA PhD Position
- Application Portal: Apply Here
Learn about more PhD opportunities: HigherJobz
