PhD-position: The (Mis)Perception of Social Norms in Dynamic Social Networks

How do social norms regarding climate change mitigation develop within contexts in which norms are not easily observed by others? We want to better understand under which conditions potential misperceptions can lead to the separation of groups in society.

Your job
The project analyses how social networks and norms on these topics jointly develop, depending on how people can obtain information about the norms and behaviour of others. A combination of agent-based modelling and experiments will be used to examine how people perceive social norms on climate change topics and how these norms (and related behaviours) change with people’s networks over time.

In this PhD project you will develop and tests theory on how climate change behaviour develops in social contexts and depends on social norms. These theories will be at least partly formalized, for example, using agent-based models. The experiments can include lab experiments as well as tests in the field depending on how the project develops. During the PhD, you will:

• Gain expertise in theory-driven empirical sociology
• Learn to derive hypotheses from deductive theoretical reasoning through formal methods on sociological phenomena.
• Develop strong skills in data analysis and critical thinking
• Grow into an independent scientist while expanding your knowledge through your own research
• Contribute to a collaborative, enthusiastic, and respectful research environment in the Department of Sociology, the interdisciplinary programme SOCION and the interuniversity research school ICS.

This PhD project is part of the SOCION consortium. SOCION addresses a pressing challenge of our time: fragmentation in societies. Social cohesion is society’s fabric and is key to sustainable societies and citizens’ well-being. However, it is increasingly undermined by erosion and polarization between communities, factions, and groups. In this project, psychologists, social historians, demographers, philosophers, and sociologists collaborate with civic organizations to generate and integrate insights into how connections between individuals, groups, and institutions contribute to new pathways to and forms of social cohesion.

We are looking for someone with

• MA/MSc degree in sociology or a closely related field; interest in, and ideally some familiarity with psychology
• Interest in the topic of social cohesion and in collaborating in a broad research consortium with academic and non-academic stakeholders
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research, including analytical and theoretical dimensions
• Professional competence in English
• Advanced statistical skills are required; programming skills are recommended

Furthermore your suitability is ideally exemplified by if you:

• Have an interest in societal discussions related to climate policies
• Are are a team player who want to play an active role in an inter- and transdisciplinary research community and training programme

• a position for 1 year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 in the first year and €3,881 in the fourth year of employment in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P 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 Vincent Buskens at v.buskens@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.