Contemporary “psychological society” emphasizes psychological identity. It can be interpreted as a historical shift towards individuality which began in the early modern period. It was the time when humanists relied on the theory of humors and temperaments to assess a person´s intellectual capacities and emotional inclinations. The idea was not only to explain the way human beings act but also to find useful guidelines for the counselling of young people. One example of such a psychological work of the 16th century was Juan Huarte de San Juan’s “The Examination of Men’s Wits” (1575). In it, the Spanish physician emphasizes human differences, drawing inspiration from Aristotle, Galen, Hippocrates, and others. The exploration of body humors led to the revolutionary idea that evaluating individual capacities and talents is essential for ensuring a well-functioning society.
Despite the research that has been done to this date showing that early modernity was a crucial time period when human beings start to become an object of empirical study, there are still many open questions. At the time, Erasmus, Vives, or Huarte circulated explanations about human differences using a terminology based on “ingenium” (intellect) and “natural ability”. They used such terms when proposing guidelines to match individuals with societal needs, a strategy that awaits thorough historical assessment. The work of these humanists has remained relatively obscure in today´s history of psychology textbooks. Thus, more research is needed to examine the humanists’ psychological concepts and the extent to which their temperamental psychology contributed to a new understanding of the individual.

The tasks of the PhD candidate are

- Design and conduct a research project that results in a dissertation and is in line with the theme outlined above.
- Organize and execute the primary and secondary source collection needed for research.
- Publish the results of the research in international scientific journals.
- Present the research findings to fellow scientists.
- Provide a limited number of educational activities at the Psychology department, such as small-scale tutorials and guest lectures, in collaboration with the supervisors.

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 Behavioural and Social Sciences excels in teaching and research in the fields of human behaviour, 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 Behavioural and Social Sciences employs over 650 staff members. For more information about the Faculty please check the link https://www.rug.nl/gmw/

The PhD position is located within the Theory & History of Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Groningen. The unit undertakes interdisciplinary studies on the role that psychology plays in contemporary society. On the one hand, this is done through the critical exploration of the basic assumptions underlying psychological knowledge and research. And on the other, by analysing how the discipline has been defined and redefined—originally as “the science of the soul,” then “of behaviour” and “of mind” and “brain” (and other things besides)—leading to the psychologization of society and producing profound changes in our understanding of human and animal nature.

For this position you are expected to:

- Have a (Research) Master's degree in Theory and History of Psychology, History of Medicine or History of Science.
- Have a good academic track record.
- Be enthusiastic about writing international publications and a dissertation.
- Have good academic English writing skills and some knowledge of Spanish or Latin (at least at reading level).
- Have good social and communication skills and be willing to present at conferences and work with other team members.
- Have good organizational skills and the motivation to realize archival research.
- Have demonstrable competences such as conceptual capacity, critical thinking, initiative, and the planning and organizing of historical research.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

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

- A salary of € 2,770 gross per month in the first year of the appointment, rising to € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth year for a full-time position. The position is classified in accordance with the University Job Classification (UFO) system; the UFO profile is PhD candidate.
- A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance.
- Attractive secondary terms of employment.
- A temporary employment of 1.0 FTE for a period of four years. You will first be employed for a period of one year. After a positive result and development interview, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of three years.

Intended starting date: 1 December 2024