Postdoc Position in Social Sciences
Utrecht University
Netherlands
Faculty: Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Department: Social Sciences
Location: Utrecht University, Utrecht Science Park, The Netherlands
Hours per week: 28 – 32
Contract: 1 year, possibility to extend 2 more years
Salary: €3,546 – €5,538 gross per month (full-time, CAO NU scale 10) + 8% holiday pay + 8.3% year-end bonus + pension scheme
Application deadline: 27 February 2026
Contact: Dr. Anna Zhelnina – a.zhelnina@uu.nl
Project Overview
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Part of the ERC-funded project “Strategic Care in Activism: Mental Health Across Scales of Social Change” (Care2Act).
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Interdisciplinary research combining social psychology and sociology.
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Investigates how individuals and communities maintain well-being while engaging in activism at local, identity-based, and climate-related scales.
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Focus on the dual task of strategic care: regulating personal mental health while engaging in societal change.
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Employs qualitative and participatory methods, e.g., in-depth interviews, observations, group discussions, and Ripple Effects Mapping.
Responsibilities
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Lead one or more empirical case studies on activist initiatives in the Netherlands or Germany.
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Develop qualitative research instruments and conduct fieldwork/participatory workshops.
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Contribute to theoretical development and co-author publications with the PI and project team.
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Independently plan and execute research while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
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Develop own publication plans within the project scope.
Candidate Profile
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PhD in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, social psychology, or related disciplines (or expected by September 2026).
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Interest and knowledge in social movements and/or mental health.
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Proficiency in qualitative research methods; participatory methods are a plus.
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Strong analytical skills, independent researcher, team player.
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Fluent in English (C2); knowledge of Dutch, German, or Russian advantageous for fieldwork.
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Track record appropriate to career stage with curiosity and enthusiasm for research.
Benefits & Environment
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Work in a vibrant interdisciplinary team across social psychology, sociology, and public health.
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Contribute to research with societal impact for activists’ well-being.
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Flexible working conditions, parental leave, pension schemes.
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Professional development opportunities and access to Utrecht University resources.
In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com
