PhD Positions in Behavioural Sciences

University of Amsterdam

Faculty: Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam
Level: Master’s
Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 per month
Application deadline: 5 May 2026

Project Overview

Are you interested in how societies deal with conspiracy theories and institutional distrust? The ERC Consolidator Project “Dealing With Distrust: How Public Organizations Respond To Conspiracy Theories”, led by Dr. Jaron Harambam, examines how societal institutions—such as media, science, government, and education—respond to rising disinformation and conspiratorial distrust.

This project turns the focus from individuals to institutions, investigating how organizational responses shape, mitigate, or amplify public distrust. The project is Europe-wide, spanning the Netherlands, Italy, and Poland, with three PhD positions corresponding to each country.

As a PhD candidate, you will be based in Amsterdam, trained in ethnographic methods, and conduct extensive fieldwork in your home country. You will collaborate with your team throughout the four-year project and co-create empirically robust solutions with professional organizations.

Your Role

During this four-year fully funded PhD, you will:

  • Receive training and develop expertise in sociological research and ethnographic methods
  • Design your own research project within the broader ERC framework
  • Conduct qualitative and ethnographic research in public organizations
  • Collaborate closely with your team members and the PI
  • Publish research articles independently and in collaboration with the team
  • Present your work to academic, professional, and general audiences
  • Teach in the undergraduate Sociology program (max. 10% of your time)
  • Participate actively in departmental and research school communities

Candidate Profile

We seek curious, creative, and collaborative researchers with:

  • A completed Master’s degree in Sociology or related Social Sciences (Anthropology, Organizational Studies, Public Administration, Political Science, Science & Technology Studies)
  • Experience or affinity with ethnographic and qualitative research in public organizations
  • Experience or interest in conspiracy culture and disinformation research
  • Excellent oral and written English skills
  • Native or fluent in the language of the respective research country (Netherlands, Italy, or Poland)

Desirable:

  • Existing networks in one or more institutions relevant to the project (media, government, public health, education)

Key Qualities:

  • Open-minded, hands-on, and team-oriented
  • Able to work independently and manage your own research projects
  • Willingness to learn and generate novel insights

Employment Terms

  • Contract: 38 hours/week, maximum term of four years
  • Start date: Preferably 1 October 2026
  • Progression: Initial 1-year contract, extendable for up to three years, leading to a PhD
  • Participation in training courses and national/international events

Your Workplace

You will be based in the Cultural Sociology programme group of the Sociology Department at the University of Amsterdam. The Dealing With Distrust research team comprises the PI, three PhD candidates, and a postdoctoral researcher (from year two), offering close supervision and collaborative meetings.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is Europe’s largest educational and research institution in the social sciences, with over 1,300 staff contributing to research on societal and human-centered issues.

Application Process

Deadline: 5 May 2026

Applications must be submitted online as a single PDF and include:

  1. CV (2 pages) detailing education and work/research experience
  2. Motivation Letter (2 pages) outlining your qualifications and interest in the project
  3. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (grades)
  4. Contact details of two academic references

Additional materials (recommendation letters, writing samples, short PhD proposal) will be requested only for shortlisted candidates. Interviews are expected in June 2026.

Specify clearly which PhD position you are applying for: Dutch, Italian, or Polish.

Contact for questions:
Dr. Jaron Harambam – [email protected]

Diversity & Inclusion

The UvA fosters a diverse and inclusive environment. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet 100% of the qualifications. The university especially welcomes applications from historically underrepresented groups.

Apply