项目介绍

2026年5月29日

Join us as a postdoc at the intersection of youth research, partnership brokering and societal impact. You will study how young people experience global uncertainty — from climate change and technological change to housing, work and geopolitical instability — and what helps them stay connected, hopeful and agentic. Using large, complex datasets and a socio-ecological perspective, you will contribute to high-quality research while building strong bridges between science, policy and practice.

Your job

At Utrecht University’s strategic theme Dynamics of Youth, we study youth and youth development from conception to early adulthood. We connect science and society to contribute to a better future for young people, and through them, for all of us. Dynamics of Youth is looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious postdoctoral researcher to join our core team for 1.5 years (0.8-1.0 FTE).

In this postdoc position, you combine interdisciplinary research with partnership brokering and infrastructure building. You will contribute both to high-quality academic research and to strengthening the connections between science, policy, and practice.

In interdisciplinary research projects, you will examine how global uncertainty is experienced by young people and how it is shaped across the different contexts in which they grow up, such as families, peer networks, schools, communities, and broader institutional conditions. Together with societal partners, you will investigate which protective and promotive resources help young people stay connected, maintain hope, and develop agency in uncertain times. You will work with existing datasets to study these questions from a socio-ecological and multisystemic perspective. This requires confidence in working with large, complex, and multilevel data. We are looking for someone who is methodologically strong and not intimidated by the messiness of real-world data.

You will also play a key role in partnership brokering and strengthening our infrastructure. You will help expanding our network of societal partners and support the co-development of research questions, knowledge exchange, and collaborative impact. As postdoc, you will be the first point of contact for partners and help create the conditions in which interdisciplinary collaboration can grow and flourish. You will contribute to building a sustainable infrastructure for collaboration across research, policy, and practice, and help identify opportunities to enhance societal impact together with our communities and partners.

Your qualities

You are an enthusiastic and independent researcher with a collaborative mindset. You enjoy working across disciplinary and societal boundaries and are motivated to contribute to research that is both academically strong and socially relevant.

You also bring:

• a completed PhD in Health Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Epidemiology, Pedagogical or Educational Sciences, Psychology, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Medical Sciences, Law, Economics and Governance, or a related field;
• a strong background in quantitative research and advanced statistical modelling, preferably with large and complex datasets;
• experience with multilevel statistics and software such as R and/or Mplus;
• experience with FAIR data management;
• affinity with or experience in interdisciplinary research;
• strong organisational and coordination skills;
• the ability to work independently, collaboratively, and in a student (co)-supervisory role;
• strong communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of partners;
• a proactive, hands-on attitude and a good sense of group dynamics;
• full professional proficiency in Dutch and English, both written and spoken. 

Our offer

• a job for 1,5 years, beginning September 1, 2026 until December 31, 2027;
• a working week of 32 – 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,546 and €5,538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues.

The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.

More information

For more information, please contact prof dr. C. Finkenauer external link by c.finkenauer@uu.nl. 

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

To apply, via the ‘apply’ button, please submit the following materials:

• a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages), describing your motivation for applying, the research questions that drive and inspire you and why connecting research and society is important to you. The letter should also showcase why you are a strong fit for this position.
• a CV (maximum 6 pages), including a link to your Google Scholar profile;
• one recent writing sample (usually a paper) that you are proud of and that showcases your academic writing;
• the names and contact details of at least two referees who have agreed to be contacted. There is no need to submit reference letters at this stage.

Our goal is to conduct the interviews between June 29 and July 8, 2026. An assessment is part of the procedure. Our preferred start date is as soon as possible.

The application deadline is 17 June 2026.