PhD Candidate
PhD candidate researching citizens' perceptions of fair climate policy.
Conduct quantitative and qualitative research, publish findings, and provide policy-relevant recommendations.
Requires a research Master's degree and strong quantitative analytical skills.
Description
PhD candidate in Fair Climate Policy conducting research into citizens' perceptions of fair and acceptable climate policy.
The project aims to develop psychological and sociological insights into what citizens view as fair climate solutions and to provide guidelines for policymakers.
The position is a cross-institutional PhD shared between the University of Groningen and the Netherlands Institute for Social Research, with the appointment split between the two organizations.
Job requirements
- Completed (research) Master's degree in a relevant social science discipline (for example Environmental Psychology, Sociology, Social Psychology, Political Science, or Sustainability Studies).
- Strong quantitative analytical skills (strict requirement) and experience with qualitative research.
- Enthusiasm for writing international publications and a dissertation.
- Good command of Dutch and English.
- Able to work both in a team and independently, with good academic writing, social, and communication skills.
- Interest in translating scientific insights into practical guidelines and advice, and an affinity with policy and societal issues.
- Willingness to contribute to SCP reports aimed at broad audiences and policymakers.
- Good organizational skills, perseverance, and competencies such as conceptual ability, presenting, planning, and monitoring progress.
Tasks
- Design research components together with supervisors.
- Conduct research that results in a dissertation and aligns with project objectives.
- Perform quantitative data analysis on existing datasets and organize and carry out additional data collection if necessary.
- Publish results in international scientific journals and present research to scientific and societal audiences, including practice and policy partners.
- Collaborate with colleagues from the University of Groningen and the Netherlands Institute for Social Research on the joint project and contribute actively to that collaboration.
- Work on site at the University of Groningen during the initial period and at the Netherlands Institute for Social Research in subsequent years, while visiting both organizations regularly from the start.
- Contribute to educational activities at the Department of Environmental Psychology, such as working groups and guest lectures, and to SCP reports.
Working conditions
Temporary full-time employment for a period of four years, with an initial one-year contract and extension after a positive Results and Development interview.
- End-of-year bonus and holiday allowance.
- Opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Possibility to adjust working hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours.
- The Netherlands Institute for Social Research offers an Individual Choice Budget (IKB) that can be used for extra leave, payment at chosen times, or tax-efficient purposes, and a good pension scheme at the ABP pension fund.
- Starting date: as soon as possible.
Description of the organization
The project is a collaboration between the Environmental Psychology research group at the University of Groningen and the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP).
The University of Groningen is an interdisciplinary research university that values collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations, and aims for an open academic community with an inclusive working climate.
The Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences focuses on behaviour, thinking, learning, and participation in society, addressing themes such as health and wellbeing, sustainable living, inclusive society, and resilience.
The Department of Environmental Psychology conducts research on factors influencing sustainable behavior, adaptation to environmental problems and climate risks, effectiveness of strategies to promote sustainable behavior, acceptance of environmental policy, and the effects of climate change on well-being.
The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) investigates the quality of life and social interaction in the Netherlands and performs independent, policy-relevant scientific research to inform government policy. The SCP organizes its research into programs that together form a coherent research agenda to contribute to a better society through better government policy.