"PhD Position: Groups, Social Influence, and the Spread of Attitudes & Behaviors"

Department: Psychology Research Institute– Faculty of Social Studies

Deadline: 15 Mar 2026

Start date: October 2026

Job type: full-time | part-time

Job field: Science and research

MASARYK UNIVERSITY

Dean of the Faculty of Social Studies

ANNOUNCES A CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE PHD POSITION

PhD Position: Groups, Social Influence, and the Spread of Attitudes & Behaviors

Host: Masaryk University, Department of Psychology, Brno, Czech Republic

Research group: Behaviors of Individuals and Groups (BIG lab)

Supervisor: Tibor Zingora

Position: Full-time PhD

PROJECT OVERVIEW

People in social contexts, such as adolescents in schools, form social groups that shape daily contact, influence, and norm formation. This PhD project investigates how friendship networks and group boundaries shape the diffusion of attitudes and behaviors (e.g., prejudice-related attitudes, pro-environmental behaviors, academic motivations), and how this knowledge can inform interventions that spread positive change while avoiding unintended consequences. The project relies on longitudinal school network data and advanced quantitative and computational methods.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Work with longitudinal classroom network and survey data
• Contribute to data collection as part of a larger research team
• Conduct advanced quantitative analyses
• Develop publishable papers and present at international conferences

YOUR PROFILE

• Strong interest in the project topics
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Education, Data Science, or related field
• Strong quantitative skills required
• Network experience appreciated; SAOM/RSiena training provided
• Excellent English
• Willingness to relocate to Brno

WHAT WE OFFER

• A supportive, lively research environment with international collaboration
• Career development support (publishing support, conference travel, potential internships)
• Flexible working hours

EMPLOYMENT & FUNDING

Start: 1 October 2026

Funding combines a standard salary component (32k CZK, taxed) and a PhD scholarship component (16k, tax-free).

Residence in Czechia required. We look forward to welcoming a new colleague to Brno, a wonderful and vibrant city in southeast Czechia.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a motivation letter (max 2 pages), CV, Master’s diploma (or expected completion), writing sample, and referee contacts.

MOTIVATION LETTER SHOULD INCLUDE

• Research interests and project fit
• Quantitative background and methods interests
• One concrete research idea relevant to the project

Informal inquiries are welcome—please feel free to contact Tibor Zingora.

All information will be processed in accordance with GDPR. Masaryk University is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates

Please use the link provided in the Electronic Application section.

Application deadline: 15 March 2026