We are seeking two candidates for two interrelated PhD projects, which together with a third project for which a candidate has been appointed previously, will form a cluster within the larger context of a transdisciplinary, interuniversity graduate school. Project 1 is called Diversity and multiplexity on the job: drawing on colleagues for career success. This position focuses on understanding how informal and formal networks in diverse organizations exacerbate or soothe unequal access to resources such as support, advice and opportunities at work for diverse employees. It will pay particular attention to what extent self-organized networks of minority co-workers, such as female business networks or LHBTI+ employee groups, help them gain sustainable access to organizational resources. Secondly, it aims to investigate whether access to these organizational resources may improve career successes of minority groups, but might also reduce cooperation between different groups of employees, alienating specific groups of workers or fueling competition in the longer run between them instead. This project will employ advanced statistical network analysis and contains a data collection effort in organizations as well.

Project 2 is called The professional-private life distinction and its implications for employees’ well-being and cooperation with co-workers. It aims to understand why minority employees may have a harder time building and maintaining trusting relations with co-workers (those that provide social and advisory support). To this end, we will compare the professional-private life distinction among different groups of employees (minority vs. majority groups) and examine its implications for employees’ relations with co-workers and how this impacts their sense of inclusion, work-related stress, organizational commitment and turn-over intentions. Secondly, it aims to demonstrate how organizational efforts towards improving the wellbeing and careers of minority employees can be optimized. To this end, we examine the implications of the professional-private life distinction for the effectiveness of ERGs. This project will draw on a combination of a cross-sectional survey and experimental data to be collected from majority and minority employees in organizations. A detailed project description can be found here.

The projects are part of the transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary research programme SCOOP: Roadmaps to Resilient Societies. SCOOP is a research and training centre dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of sustainable cooperation as a key feature of resilient societies. SCOOP brings together Researchers of the University of Groningen, Utrecht University, VU Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Radboud University Nijmegen. The PhD student will participate in the SCOOP PhD training programme.

Your responsibilities will include:

• conducting the research (literature research, analyzing data, reporting results), resulting in international scientific publications and a dissertation;
• data collection, and initiating and maintaining contacts with external parties;
• presenting results at national and international scientific conferences;
• teaching (max. 10% per year);
• active participation in the research group of the SCOOP project and of the department;
• ambition to collaborate with (inter)national partners and to pay them visits.

You should have:

• (almost) finished a (Research) Master's in the domain of sociology (project 1) and social and/or organizational psychology (project 2), or a related discipline;
• a solid training in quantitative research (e.g., lab experiments, surveys) and data analysis skills;
• eagerness to learn to work in an interdisciplinary research team and to conduct interdisciplinary research in the SCOOP programme;
• a demonstrable interest in the topics associated with the project(s);
• an excellent academic record;
• eagerness to publish international articles and write a dissertation;
• good social and communication skills;
• excellent command of English and academic writing skills. Command of the Dutch language is an added advantage;
• professional attitude and behaviour which includes organizational sensitivity, integrity, pragmatism, and good communication skills;
• superb organizational and decision-making skills;
• independent thinking and a hands-on mentality;
• excellent collaborative skills;
• motivation and ability to teach undergraduate courses.

In addition, for project 1:

• solid training in analytical sociology;
• knowledge and skills pertaining to advanced Social Network Analysis. 

In addition, for project 2:

• a keen interest in both fundamental research and putting psychological insights into practice.

Preferably starting September 1, 2021, we offer both candidates a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for one year. Upon a positive performance, the appointment will be extended for three more years. The gross salary ranges between €2,395 in the first year and €3,061 in the fourth and final year (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

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 societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht is a young and vibrant city with a large academic population, around 30 minutes south of Amsterdam. It combines a beautiful old city centre with a modern university. Utrecht has an excellent quality of life, with plenty of green space and a strong bicycle culture.

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. More than 5,600 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences has some 850 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 first PhD position is embedded in the Sociology department, one of the oldest and largest in the Netherlands. At the department research on and teaching in a wide array of sociological themes is conducted, such as social inequality, crime, migration and integration, social networks, policy and organisation, cooperative relationships, families and work.

The second PhD position is embedded in the research group of Distinguished Professor Naomi Ellemers, which focuses on two themes in which fundamental scientific research is directly linked to applications and interventions in the field: Diversity & Inclusion, and Integrity & Ethical behaviour. In addition, the members of the research group consider it important to focus on forming interdisciplinary partnerships and insights, strengthening external visibility of scientific activities and staying connected to organizational practice.