Postdoc Position in Social Sciences

Utrecht University

Faculty: Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Department: Social Sciences
Location: Utrecht University, Utrecht Science Park, The Netherlands
Hours per week: 28 – 32
Contract: 1 year, possibility to extend 2 more years
Salary: €3,546 – €5,538 gross per month (full-time, CAO NU scale 10) + 8% holiday pay + 8.3% year-end bonus + pension scheme
Application deadline: 27 February 2026
Contact: Dr. Anna Zhelnina – a.zhelnina@uu.nl

Project Overview

  • Part of the ERC-funded project “Strategic Care in Activism: Mental Health Across Scales of Social Change” (Care2Act).

  • Interdisciplinary research combining social psychology and sociology.

  • Investigates how individuals and communities maintain well-being while engaging in activism at local, identity-based, and climate-related scales.

  • Focus on the dual task of strategic care: regulating personal mental health while engaging in societal change.

  • Employs qualitative and participatory methods, e.g., in-depth interviews, observations, group discussions, and Ripple Effects Mapping.

Responsibilities

  • Lead one or more empirical case studies on activist initiatives in the Netherlands or Germany.

  • Develop qualitative research instruments and conduct fieldwork/participatory workshops.

  • Contribute to theoretical development and co-author publications with the PI and project team.

  • Independently plan and execute research while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

  • Develop own publication plans within the project scope.

Candidate Profile

  • PhD in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, social psychology, or related disciplines (or expected by September 2026).

  • Interest and knowledge in social movements and/or mental health.

  • Proficiency in qualitative research methods; participatory methods are a plus.

  • Strong analytical skills, independent researcher, team player.

  • Fluent in English (C2); knowledge of Dutch, German, or Russian advantageous for fieldwork.

  • Track record appropriate to career stage with curiosity and enthusiasm for research.

Benefits & Environment

  • Work in a vibrant interdisciplinary team across social psychology, sociology, and public health.

  • Contribute to research with societal impact for activists’ well-being.

  • Flexible working conditions, parental leave, pension schemes.

  • Professional development opportunities and access to Utrecht University resources.

Apply