Postdoc Sociology (0.8-1.0 FTE)

Applicants will become integral members of a vibrant and dynamic research group as part of GUTS, an NWO Gravitation project (

https://www.gutsproject.com

). In collaboration with other GUTS researchers based in Leiden and Amsterdam, applicants will be involved in the collection of longitudinal network, survey and neuroimaging data in emerging adulthood.

The GUTS Social Networks work package consists of a cohesive set of two postdoctoral and four doctoral projects, all aimed at a common goal: understanding how neural and self-regulatory development influences the way emerging adults navigate their increasingly complex social environments. This includes how they meet their social needs and successfully transition to adulthood. Successful candidates will actively contribute to the study of neurological data within complete social networks, linking neural profiles to various social network processes such as similarity selection and peer influence.

Organization
The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has had top priority for four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists.

The Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences excels in teaching and research in the fields of human behavior, thinking, learning, and how people live together. We work on societal issues and problems that people experience in daily life. Central to this is individual and societal resilience and how to increase this. To this end, we focus on the topics of migration, the environment and climate, health, upbringing and education, the protection of vulnerable minorities, and sustainable partnerships. The Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences employs over 800 staff members. For more information about the Faculty please check the link https://www.rug.nl/gmw/ .

The position is within the Department of Sociology at the University of Groningen, which is known for its outstanding national and international reputation. The department places particular emphasis on research into the social development of young people. The primary goal is to construct behavioral models that elucidate the relation between social networks and prosocial as well as antisocial behavior among children, adolescents, and emerging adults. These models are tested using extensive longitudinal data sets. In addition, the department is actively engaged in advancing statistical models and software development for analyzing cross-sectional, longitudinal, and multilevel network data.

The ideal candidate will be an early-career scholar with a Ph.D. in the social sciences with a primary focus on social network analysis and the influence of young people on each other’s behavior.

We seek candidates who meet the following criteria:

• a Ph.D. in the social sciences.
• a relevant publication record that demonstrates the ability to publish in international academic journals.
• ability to conduct theory-driven research with a strong awareness of practical implications.
• strong statistical skills, preferably with experience in social network analysis.
• demonstrated interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
• proficiency in oral and written communication in English and Dutch (or willingness to learn Dutch).
• innovative, independent and proactive approach.
• a team-oriented attitude with effective communication skills
• skills in conceptual thinking, environmental awareness, effective presentation skills, and a focus on delivering results.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• depending on qualifications and work experience, a salary of € 3,226 to a maximum of € 5,090 (salary scale 10) gross per month for a full-time position
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
• attractive secondary terms of employment
• the position is classified in accordance with the University Job Classification (UFO) system; the UFO profile is Researcher 4
• a temporary contract of 0.8 fte for a period of 2.5 years (or 1.0 fte for a period of 2 years).

Intended starting date: 1 September 2024