The PhD project is part of a collaboration between the Department of Human Resource Studies, the Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology and the Department of Organization Studies, funded by The Herbert Simon Research Institute at Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

This project focuses on studying (mal)adaptive physiological responses to subtle acts of exclusion. It aims at developing behavioral interventions that are effective in combating workplace exclusion and promoting inclusion. The PhD candidate will collect and analyze data via interviews and focus groups; conduct quantitative lab studies, and develop and test behavioral interventions using advanced statistical analyses in order to: 
1.    Generate an in-depth understanding of why actors engage in daily acts of workplace exclusion and how targets and bystanders react to this exclusion. 
2.    Identify coping strategies developed in response to daily acts of workplace exclusion and map which responses are (mal)adaptive in terms of physiological reaction patterns.  
3.    Measure physiological reactions to inclusive trainings. 
4.    Develop and test the effectiveness of a training program that fosters inclusive behavior in the workplace.  

As this interdisciplinary project makes use of various scientific methods, we offer the PhD candidate training and development opportunities to support the candidate in applying these methods. Crucial is that there is an affinity with the topic and an eagerness to continuously develop new skills and competences. 

We look for an inquisitive, motivated, proactive, and result-driven PhD candidate and a good colleague that likes to work in a team. Applicants must have a relevant MSc degree (preferably but not necessarily a research masters), for example in psychology, human resource management, organization studies or health sciences. 

• Passion for understanding experiences of inclusion and exclusion
• Research skills and data analytical abilities in a particular research approach, including in-depth knowledge of either statistical analysis or qualitative analysis. As the project is multidisciplinary in approach, we look for candidates with the willingness to acquire multidisciplinary research skills.   
• Project management and organization skills. 
• Communication (including writing) and cooperation skills and the willingness to work in a team. 
• Interest in multi-disciplinary and multi-method research
• Fluency in English. 

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The PhD candidate will be employed by Tilburg University, which is among the top of the Dutch employers and has an excellent policy concerning terms of employment. The appointments are intended to lead to the completion of a PhD thesis. The PhD will be appointment at the Department of Human Resource Studies and begins with a contract for 12 months. Continuation of the appointment with another 36 months will be based on performance evaluation. To prepare our PhD candidates for a career in academia, teaching related to the core subjects offered by the involved departments, is part of the PhD position (app. 1 day per week). The gross salary for the PhD position amounts to € 2.395 per month in the first year, rising to € 3.061 per month in the fourth year, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week).
 

Tilburg University

Tilburg University and the Departments of Human Resource Studies, Medical and Clinical Psychology and Organization Studies. 
Tilburg University is a modern, specialized university. The teaching and research of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB) revolve around the themes of Health and Well-being, and Adaptiveness. The School’s inspiring working environment challenges its workers to study complex societal problems in a more integral way, for which we need expertise which crosses the boundaries of a specific department.
Tilburg University offers a bachelor’s and several master’s programs in psychology, including the research master “Individual Differences and Assessment” and “Social and Behavioral Sciences”, and a bachelor’s and master’s program in HR Studies.

Department of Human Resource Studies
The Department of Human Resource Studies is a well-established department with a strong reputation in academia. The department is well-known for its expertise in taking a balanced approach to strategic HRM (focusing on well-being, development and performance), strengths-based and lifespan approaches to HRM, and inclusive HRM. For more information about the HR Studies department and its staff members, please visit the following website: https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/schools/socialsciences/organization/departments/human-resource-studies.

Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology

Researchers in the department of Medical & Clinical Psychology study the influence of psychosocial factors on health, and individual differences therein. The department is well-known for its expertise in psychophysiological research in the Behavioral Physiology Research Lab (GO-Lab), in which the interrelation between emotions, behaviors, and physiology, in the context of individual differences are studied. For more information, please visit the website: https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/research/institutes-and-research-groups/corps
 

Department of Organization Studies
The Department of Organization Studies studies organizations from a relational perspective. The focus is on networks and relations as well as processes of cooperation, coordination and control within and between organizations. The department has a strong emphasis on theory driven empirical research and teaching rooted in the social and behavioral sciences. Organizational sociology and organizational psychology are the disciplinary pillars of the research and education programs of the department. More information on the department can be found here: https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/schools/socialsciences/organization/departments/organization-studies