项目介绍

2026年4月24日

This PhD project is part of the PARENTALHOPE project, funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant (PI Patty Leijten). You will study the conditions that motivate parents to actively seek exploration and interpersonal connection when the future of their children is uncertain. You will combine cross-national longitudinal research and experimental research to identify the psychological levers that generate an experience of hope, and how this experience shapes parents’ behavior.

What are you going to do

• You will work with a survey company to set-up a cross-national longitudinal study in Estonia, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
• You will design and implement a series of experimental lab studies.
• You will analyze the data from both strands of research.
• You will report your findings in peer-reviewed scientific papers.
• You will present your research at international scientific conferences.

What do you have to offer

• You have completed (or will complete in the summer of 2026) a master’s degree in pedagogy, developmental, social or family psychology, or a related discipline.
• You received training in quantitative research methods and statistics, preferably both longitudinal and experimental research.
• You have demonstrated expertise or a clearly evidenced interest in research on parenting behavior.
• You enjoy engaging deeply with abstract theoretical questions.
• You are comfortable in a research environment where projects develop iteratively, and directions may change over time.
• You enjoy work that requires a high level of precision.
• You feel comfortable working in teams.
• You have experience with scientific writing.
• Dutch proficiency is not required. However, as part of the project involves local data collection with Dutch-speaking participants, it can be an advantage.

What else do we offer you

The appointment concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week (1.0 fte) for a period of 4 years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by three years, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. We will put together a graduate school curriculum. You will contribute to teaching activities in the department (around 10% of your time). The starting date is 01 September 2026.