We are looking for a postdoc to join a new NWO-funded research project led by Prof. dr. Gerben A. van Kleef (PI) at the Social Psychology group of the University of Amsterdam.

The goal of the project at large is to investigate the social dynamics of (counter)normative behavior. Adherence to social norms is important for community functioning, yet norm violations abound. People jump queues, commit fraud, vandalize property, dodge taxes, and engage in sexual harassment. Such behaviors can be highly problematic when they happen sporadically, and even more troublesome when they spread in groups to create systemic problems (e.g., anarchy, corruption, social unsafety, toxic cultures). Despite a longstanding interest in social norms, current science cannot explain or predict when norm violations are contained and when they spread, nor how this happens. This is because dominant perspectives fail to capture the emotional dynamics of (counter)normative behavior.

The team working on this project (two postdocs, a research assistant, external collaborators, and the PI) will develop and test a novel theoretical model of the emotional dynamics of (counter)normative behavior in groups. The basic premise of the model is that the spreading or containment of norm violations depends on observers' behavioral responses to those violations, which are shaped by emotional processes. We will investigate emotional reactions to norm violations and the social contingencies that modulate these reactions; link emotional reactions to behavioral responses; and examine how these behavioral responses contribute to the spreading or containment of norm violations and the development of social norms over time.

The model will be tested in two complementary work packages. Work package 1 focuses on individual responses to norm violations, using tightly controlled experimental methods. Work package 2 focuses on responses to norm violations and downstream consequences for group norms in online and live-interacting groups. The current vacancy pertains to work package 1.

What are you going to do

• review the literature on social norms and (responses to) norm violations;
• design and conduct experimental studies to test emotional and behavioural responses to norm violations using tightly controlled methods (e.g., carefully crafted news articles, social media posts, film clips, immersive video games, or virtual reality environments depicting different norm violations);
• identify and incorporate measures of physiological and behavioural responses to norm violations;
• process the data using appropriate analytical procedures;
• write high-quality scientific papers together with other members of the project team;
• organize a symposium at an international conference;
• present your work at national and international conferences;
• perform a small amount of teaching (e.g., thesis supervision).

• a PhD degree in social psychology or a related discipline;
• demonstrated experience with conducting and publishing high-quality experimental research;
• experience and/or affinity with developing and implementing engaging experimental manipulations, for instance involving film clips, interactive video games, or virtual reality;
• experience and/or affinity with administering and processing physiological measures;
• excellent writing skills and a genuine interest in writing papers for publication;
• outstanding organisational skills, high conscientiousness, flexibility, and a collaborative attitude;
• willingness and ability to learn and grow in all areas of research;
• excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• availability to start in September 2023.

The position concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended for two year to a total duration of three years (based on 1.0fte). For this position, the University Job Classification profile 'onderzoeker 3' applies.

Salary depends on past education and relevant work experience, with a minimum salary of €3974 and a maximum salary of €5439 gross per month based on a full-time appointment for a 38-hour working week (in keeping with scale 11, as per the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities). We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary employee benefits, including a generous holiday scheme and year-end bonus. Because we value your continued personal development and professionalization, we also offer excellent opportunities for study and development temporary appointment in a world-leading academic department.

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

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