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PhD position Motivating people to contribute to societal transitions

PhD

PhD position Motivating people to contribute to societal transitions

Are you interested in just and sustainable transitions, group processes and collective action? Are you looking for a PhD position with both scientific and societal impact? In that case this PhD position at the Environmental Psychology research group at the University of Groningen might just be what you are looking for. This PhD position is embedded in the national NWO-NWA project ECCO: Empower citizen Collectives in Societal Transitions: https://www.collectievekracht.eu/ecco/default.aspx),

Can citizen collectives such as community energy or climate initiatives drive just and sustainable transitions by motivating not only participants but also non-participants? Your research will investigate how citizen collectives (CCs) influence motivations, shared identities, and behaviours of both involved and uninvolved individuals, examining whether these initiatives inadvertently create polarisation or successfully foster inclusive engagement.

As a PhD candidate, you will have the opportunity to develop your own research questions, collect data, and share your findings with both scientific colleagues and partners from professional practice worldwide. Under the supervision and guidance of Prof. and Prof. Ellen van der Werff, and in collaboration with a motivated team of multidisciplinary researchers and societal partners within the ECCO project, you will work on furthering understanding on the motivational influence of citizen collectives in advancing sustainable transitions.

You will conduct a groundbreaking longitudinal field experiment with a network of CCs, tracking 40+ communities where new CCs will be initiated. Using surveys and experimental methods, you will assess changes in motivations, shared identity, and polarization over time among people who participate in these CCs and those who do not. You will compare different CC setups and their effects on diverse populations. You will develop the "Motivation Mapper" tool for CCs to assess and track their motivational impact.

Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences

Closing date: 15 februari 2026

PhD position Motivating people to contribute to societal transitions

https://werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd-position-motivating-people-to-contribute-to-societal-transitions-1506/?lang

What are you going to do?

What we expect from you:

• Design and implement large-scale quantitative longitudinal research.
• Conduct complementary experimental lab studies and interviews.
• Develop a practical tool for CCs to gauge community dynamics.
• Account for self-selection biases and individual differences.
• Collaborate with other (PhD) researchers within the ECCO consortium.
• Publish findings in scientific journals to advance understanding of collective action.
• Present your research at scientific conferences and to the wider public.
• Contribute to a limited number of teaching activities in the Environmental Psychology department, such as working groups and guest lectures.

Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences

Closing date: 15 februari 2026

€3.059 - €3.881

Who are you?

For this position, we are looking for someone who:

• Has a Research Master or Master's degree in social or environmental psychology, or a related field.
• Has strong quantitative and experimental research skills.
• Is enthusiastic about writing international publications and a dissertation.
• Has a good command of the English, and preferably also the Dutch language.
• Possesses good academic writing, social and communication skills and is willing to collaborate with other team members.
• Is enthusiastic about translating scientific insights into practical guidelines and advice.
• Possesses good organisational skills and perseverance.
• Demonstrates competencies such as conceptual ability, presentation, planning, and monitoring progress.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 (Promovendus) up to a maximum of € 3.881 (Promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Contract duration: A temporary position of 1.0 FTE for a period of four years. You will first be appointed for a period of 12 months. After a positive evaluation, the contract will be extended for the remaining period. Starting date: 1 September 2026

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (RUG), researchers across all branches of science and technology work on scientific challenges and societal issues. Lecturers train their students for meaningful careers in science or beyond. Interdisciplinary research and education, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with companies, government institutions, and societal organizations are highly valued at this top 100 university. RUG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working environment that invites you to contribute your value.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences (GMW) excels in research and teaching in the areas of behaviour, thinking, learning, and participation in society. More than 4,500 students and approximately 650 staff address social questions and challenges that people experience in daily life. Our core focus is on individual and societal resilience and how to strengthen it. We focus on current themes such as health and wellbeing, sustainable living, learning and development, inclusive society, safe and healthy upbringing, and work and collaboration. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, visit rug.nl/gmw .

The Environmental Psychology Research Group at the University of Groningen has a national and international reputation for excellence. The group focuses on a wide range of topics, such as:

• Understanding individual and collective (un)sustainably behaviours (such as energy use, participation in environmental groups, and policy support).
• Understanding how individuals and groups cope and adapt to climate risks.
• Developing and testing theory-based interventions and strategies to achieve behavioural change.
• Investigating the effects of climate change and (un)sustainable behaviour on people's well-being.

The research group aims to contribute to theory development and practice, and actively collaborates with scholars from different disciplines within and outside the University of Groningen, as well as with governments, NGOs, and various organisations.

The Environmental Psychology Research Group is embedded within the research programme Interpersonal Behaviour at Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences.The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences is strong in research and teaching on human behaviour, thinking, learning, and coexistence. We work on social issues and problems that people experience in everyday life. Individual and societal resilience and how to increase it are central to our work. We focus on the topics of migration, environment and climate, health, parenting and education, the protection of vulnerable minorities, and sustainable partnerships. Over 650 employees work at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences.

More information about the faculty can be found at the link https://www.rug.nl/gmw/

Application procedure

Step 1: Your application

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

Step 2: Selection

The selection committee assesses your application and you will receive a response at the latest two weeks after the closing date.

Step 3: First interview

We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.

Step 4: Second interview and possible assessment or guest lecture

We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.

Step 5: Terms of employment meeting

After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!

Interested?

Does this sound like a challenge that suits you? Then apply immediately!

Do you meet our qualification criteria? If yes, you're requested to upload the following documents:

• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (in English).
• A motivation Letter stating your motivation to apply for the position and your key qualities relevant for this position, including contact information of two academic referees. Please also indicate which (other) ECCO positions you have applied for and, if applicable, which position you prefer. (max. 1.5 A4).
• Academic transcripts of course grades and diplomas.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Other output documenting scientific engagement.