This PhD project is concerned with studying how university students develop in terms of intellectual, personal, and civic learning gain in different programs and at different stages of their study and what factors enhance/hinder their learning gain. In close collaboration with a related PhD project in which qualitative data on the critical learning gain dimensions of the research project have been collected, the candidate will: 1) use the qualitative data to develop survey instruments for collecting student data in a panel design 2) assess the psychometric properties of the survey instruments, and 3) use the longitudinal survey measurements to describe students’ learning gain trajectories and explain differences therein.    
 
The employment is primarily dedicated towards carrying out the research proposal, with the aim to write several academic articles that are publishable in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. The PhD researcher works four days per week (0.8 fte) on the research, while one day a week (0.2 fte) is dedicated to education within the Liberal Arts and Sciences bachelor’s program at University College Tilburg. The position and the environment in which the PhD researcher will be embedded provide an optimal starting point for a possible academic career. 

University College Tilburg
University College Tilburg is a university-wide college, residing within the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digitals Sciences. The University College offers a three-year interdisciplinary and international bachelor program in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Our University College is a hub for educational innovations and has expertise in educational research.

The candidate:

• is an outstanding student with an excellent command of English and, preferably, also of Dutch.
• has completed (or will soon complete) a (research) master in social and behavioral sciences, pedagogy or another adjacent field. The candidate has a demonstrated interest in/knowledge of individual learning development in (Higher) Education.
• has an excellent working knowledge of (survey) methodological principles and psychometrics, and is competent in applying advanced statistical methods, particularly Structural Equation Modeling. Having successfully completed a bachelor-level course on qualitative research methods would be an advantage.
• excels in planning and respects deadlines.
• is a teamplayer.
• has an excellent command of academic writing skills and can write clearly on complex subject matters.
• is motivated to teach to Liberal Arts and Sciences bachelor students. 

The position will be ranked in the Dutch university job ranking system (UFO) as PhD (“promovendus”). The starting gross salary for a full-time appointment is € 2443, - per month; 
€ 34.094,-  all in per year.
 
The total duration of the PhD trajectory is five years (60 months). We offer a full-time position (1.0 fte). Initially the appointment will be on a temporary basis for the period of 12 months. After a positive first year evaluation the contract will be prolonged for the remaining period of 48 months.
 
The PhD candidate will be employed by Tilburg University, which is among the top Dutch employers and has an excellent policy concerning terms of employment, such as a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% (annually), an options model and reimbursement of moving expenses. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary. The university will apply for such an allowance on their behalf. The Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences will provide assistance in finding suitable accommodation. 
Successful candidates must remain at least 80% of their working days in the Netherlands (as a requirement of tax and social security laws). 
Tilburg University fosters diversity and inclusion; that is why we pursue an active policy for inclusive teams where diverse talents can flourish.
The Collective Labor Agreement of Dutch Universities applies.

Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences

Research and education at the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD) has a unique focus on humans in the context of the globalizing digital society, on the development of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies, on their impact on communication, culture and society, and on moral and existential challenges that arise. The School of Humanities and Digital Sciences consists of four departments: Communication and Cognition, Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Culture Studies and Philosophy; several research institutes and a faculty office. Also the University College Tilburg is part of the School. Each year around 275 students commence a Bachelor or (Pre) Master Program. The School has approximately 2000 students and 250 employees.

Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences