Postdoc Interdisciplinary Social Science, Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts

We are looking for an ambitious researcher who fill a two-years postdoc position (end date contract 31-3-2028). The postdoc will have 20% teaching time. You will contribute to the teaching programme of interdisciplinary social science.

Your job
The programme ‘Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts’ aims to identify opportunities for young people to thrive and grow within diverse contexts, including that of the family, peers, school and society. Our young, enthusiastic, interdisciplinary team seeks to understand the interplay between these contexts and individual characteristics and their effects on adolescent and young adult mental health, (risk) behaviours, social media use, and social participation. Our research combines large, (longitudinal) quantitative (internationally-comparative) surveys, qualitative interviews, and experimental studies.

The core tasks will include:

• Carrying out research within the scope of the research programme;
• Translating and communicating research findings and scientific insights to different types of audiences, including scientific, professional and community audiences;
• Collaborating with the chair holders and colleagues in the team to work jointly on publications in the field linking your expertise to the group’s focus;
• Coordinating data collection;
• Teaching Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses in the curriculum of Interdisciplinary Social Science; mainly thesis supervision.

We believe in a balance between individual and collective achievements. That’s why we assess both individual and team performances. We stimulate academic leadership at all levels and encourage staff members to share the results of scientific research with society in order to contribute to societal change.

We are searching for an enthusiastic colleague who recognises themselves in the abovementioned values and who meets the requirements below:

• You hold (or have nearly obtained) a PhD degree in the domain of behavioural or social science, or a related field on a topic fitting ‘Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts’, within the scope of the programme you are applying for;
• You have expertise in qualitative and advanced quantitative research and data analysis methods (longitudinal data analysis and/or multi-level analysis).
• You have experience in teaching academic courses;
• You hold a Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) or are willing to acquire this qualification in the near future;
• Your spoken and written English is fluent at an academic level;
• You show scientific creativity and productivity, as evident in recent publications in (inter)national peer-reviewed journals.

• a job for 1 year with possibility to extend to 2 years;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,546 and €5,538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues.

The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.

For more information, please contact Gonneke Stevens at g.w.j.m.stevens@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.