The Sector plans are designed to infuse structural finances into the Universities with a focus on the prioritization of certain research and teaching themes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) of the UvA will use the Sectorplan-funds to make additional investments in the interdisciplinary theme 'mental health'. Therefore, we are looking for a Postdoc.

Within the theme 'Mental health', the focus chosen by the FMG is on 'prevention', 'early interventions in children and adolescents to reduce the likelihood of developing psychopathology' and 'preventing relapse after initially successful treatment'. Please note that we expect candidates for the Communication Science Postdoc position to use a communication-scientific perspective in their plan.

Do you have interest in the area of 'mental health'? Are you a passionate researcher and do you like to initiate relevant new research? Can you strengthen communication science research on this theme?

The Department of Communication Science studies communication from a social and behavioral perspective. Research and teaching focuses broadly in 4 thematic areas: political communication and journalism; entertainment communication; persuasive communication; and corporate communication.

With more than 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students, Communication Science is among the largest departments at the University of Amsterdam with an outstanding international reputation. The research in the department is embedded in the Amsterdam School of Communication Research/ASCoR . Our research program is interdisciplinary and internationally oriented. While qualitative methods are featured in our research, quantitative methodologies are particularly pronounced. In terms of teaching, the College of Communication and the Graduate School of Communication offer a Bachelor program, including a minor track Communication in the Digital Society, a Master program, a European joint degree program in Journalism and a Research Master, the only of its kind in the Netherlands.

What are you going to do

• You will build or expand your own line of research within the above-mentioned interdisciplinary theme of 'mental health', with a central focus on communication science and communication-scientific theories in line with the ASCoR Research program;
• You will present and publish your research to an international scientific audience;
• You are active in the acquisition of research grants;
• You seek (knowledge) exchange and (research) cooperation with professionals on your research area;
• You contribute to the teaching (25% of your time) in the standing program of the Bachelor and Master of Communication Science in Dutch and/or English. The Master program is taught in English only. The Bachelor program has both a Dutch and an English track;
• You make a positive contribution to the organization and cooperation within the program group and the department.

You have:

• a completed PhD in communication science or a related science;
• demonstrated interest in research on the theme of 'mental health' from a communication-scientific perspective;
• demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research and cooperation;
• excellent methodological skills relevant to the topic and to communication science, as demonstrated by publications in international academic journals or other academic outlets;
• original ideas for new, relevant research on the theme of 'mental health' from a communication-scientific perspective;
• ambition to conduct research that contributes both to the broader communication science field and has a direct impact on social change;
• experience with science communication, or the willingness to develop these skills;
• excellent command of both Dutch and English in word and writing;
• the ability to work independently as well as part of a team;
• some experience in teaching;
• good communication, social and organizational skills;
• demonstrated interest (or preferably experience) in conducting research engaging societal partners and/or societal stakeholders

In addition, you are an enthusiastic colleague who likes to share knowledge, embraces open science, is curious, critical and eager to learn, i.e. one with an academic attitude.

This is a temporary employment contract for 32 - 38 hours per week, for the duration of 24 months.

Depending on education and relevant work experience, the salary amounts to a minimum of €3,974 and a maximum of €5,439 gross per month (scale 11) based on full-time working hours (38 hours per week), excluding 8% vacation allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The Cao Dutch Universities is applicable. In addition, we offer an extensive package of secondary employment conditions, including a generous vacation scheme and year-end bonus, and we believe it is important that you continue to develop and professionalize yourself. To this end, we offer excellent study and development opportunities.

What else can we offer you?

A challenging workplace with varied tasks and plenty of room for personal initiative and development in an inspiring organization. The Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences plays a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges facing the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future. The Amsterdam School of Communication Research/ASCoR is the largest research institute on Communication Science in Europe. Working at the UvA means working in a critical, independent, innovative and international climate, with an open atmosphere and a strong commitment to Amsterdam and its (international) society.

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses. An intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences plays a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges facing the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

Curious about our organization and attractive fringe benefits such as a generous vacation plan and development opportunities? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam here.