The PhD scholarship is closely connected to a 5-yearinterdisciplinary, cross-cultural project co-financed by the University of Groningen and the Academy of Finland. Accordingly, the PhD scholarship entails international collaboration with colleagues from several countries (e.g., Finland, Japan, Germany, USA). The larger research project is based on theories within the field of work psychology and leisure sciences and consists of several longitudinal data collections in Finland, Japan and the Netherlands. The 5-year research project also includes ecological momentary assessments and an e-mental health intervention, using a smartphone application.

The main focus of the research project is to investigate the interplay between work and free time with a focus on “leisure crafting”, defined as employees´ deliberate attempt to engage in or refrain from certain leisure activities to satisfy needs that are difficult or impossible to meet during work. The question is whether working people indeed engage in “leisure crafting” and if so, how it affects their well-being and job performance.
The student, will be actively involved in designing the PhD project (for example in developing digital self-report questionnaires, recruiting participants, analyzing the data (using quantitative statistical methods) and writing scientific papers based on the findings.
The project will be part of SOM’s research programme in Organizational Behaviour (www.rug.nl/research/hrm-ob/).

We are looking for a candidate with
- a MSc degree in psychology or equivalent degree with at least basic knowledge of (work) psychology
- very good analytical, methodological and statistical skills (using software such as SPSS, R or Mplus)
- excellent English language skills and communication skills
- high motivation to work in an international environment
- ability to work in a team, but also independently and proactively with little guidance
- ability to carefully organize and plan projects in every detail.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

The University of Groningen offers scholarships for PhD students for a period of 4 years under the condition of a positive assessment at the end of the first year. The monthly allowance is comparable to the first-year salary of PhD candidates with an appointment. For more information on the RUG PhD scholarship programme and its benefits please check the website at
www.rug.nl/education/phd-programmes/phd-scholarship-programme/

An assessment may be part of the procedure, consisting of psychological tests and an interview.

Starting date: Preferably January 1, 2018 but not later than March 1, 2018.

Faculty of Economics and Business

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Belonging to the best research universities of Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

Faculty of Economics and Business
The Faculty of Economics and Business offers an inspiring study and working environment for students and employees. International accreditation enables the Faculty to assess performance against the highest international standards. It also creates an exciting environment of continuous improvement. FEB's programmes, academic staff and research do well on various excellence ranking lists.

SOM, the graduate school and research institute of the Faculty of Economics and Business has available one PhD scholarship in the field of “Leisure crafting”.