The Environmental Psychology group at the University of Groningen offers a PhD position in the project “CircEUlar: Developing circular pathways for an EU low-carbon transition”. The project aims to advance scientific and policy understanding of circular economy measures and strategies in the context of climate change mitigation.

Environmental Psychology at the University of Groningen has a national and international reputation for excellence. Research within the Environmental Psychology group focuses on a wide range of topics, including understanding which factors affect sustainable behaviours (such as energy use, car use, food consumption, and participation in environmental groups); understanding how people and groups cope with environmental and climate risks; understanding the effectiveness of strategies to promote sustainable behaviour; understanding the acceptability environmental policies and changes; and the effects of climate change and sustainable behaviour on wellbeing.

The research aims to contribute to theory development and practice, and is embedded in the research programme Interpersonal Behaviour, as well as in two of the focus areas of the University of Groningen: Energy and Sustainable Society. The Environmental Psychology group collaborates with scholars from different disciplines within and outside the University of Groningen, as well as with governments, NGOs, and various business organisations.

Project
To limit climate change, we need to move from a linear economy to a circular economy. To achieve this, it is key to understand the options for and influences on circular consumption. This PhD project aims to characterize circular consumption behaviors and to understand which cultural, motivational, and structural factors influence the acceptability and adoption of circular consumption behaviors. The PhD project is part of an interdisciplinary European project on circular consumption (CircEUlar). The project involves collaboration with researchers from other disciplines including environmental economy and industrial ecology. Furthermore, we will collaborate with policy makers and practitioners.

You will publish the results of your studies in international scientific journals, which will be part of your PhD thesis, and present your work at international conferences. You will be a member of the Environmental Psychology Group.

We are looking for a PhD student who is highly motivated to work on this topic, and is particularly interested in conducting theory-based research with a high societal relevance. You have completed a Master in Psychology with a focus on Environmental Psychology, or a scientific education which is closely related to this, or you expect to receive such a Master degree soon. You have a creative, critical and independent research attitude and you are open to different perspectives on this research topic. You can work independently, but can also collaborate with other members of the research group. You have good communication skills in English and Dutch, both verbally and written (or willingness to learn Dutch).

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- a temporary position of 1.0 FTE for a period of four years. You will first be appointed for a period of 12 months. After a positive evaluation, the contract will be extended for the remaining period
- a salary of € 2,541 gross per month in the first year of the appointment, rising to € 3,247 gross per month in the fourth year for a full-time position
- a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus
- a pension scheme and excellent secondary terms of employment.

Intended starting date: as soon as possible

Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 36,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is an international place of knowledge.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences is a centre of knowledge focusing on individuals and society. The faculty studies issues relating to human behaviour, and the relationships between people and society. This includes the study of how people function under normal circumstances, of the problems encountered by individuals or groups, and how these can be resolved or prevented. The Department of Psychology is part of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, and offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in both Dutch and English to over 3,000 students, including the international Master programme Environmental Psychology (https://www.rug.nl/masters/environmental-psychology/).