PhD Position in Social Science

Utrecht University

Faculty: Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Department: Social Sciences
Hours per week: 36 to 40
Application deadline: 27 February 2026

Position Overview

This PhD position is a unique opportunity to join the ERC-funded project “Strategic Care in Activism: Mental Health Across Scales of Social Change” (Care2Act) exploring activism and mental health. Working at the intersection of psychology and sociology, you will explore how individuals and communities maintain well-being while engaging in collective action.

Your Job

The project investigates social movements at different scales (local, identity-based, and climate-related) and uses innovative qualitative and participatory methods to study how care, strategy, and collective action interact in times of societal crisis. You will join a vibrant academic community and benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across social psychology, sociology, and public health.

As part of a collaborative team of researchers, you will:

• Conduct a qualitative (observation, interviews, participatory methods) study with two comparable activist communities (preferably in the Netherlands or Germany), contributing to the project’s broader comparative aims.
• Carry out theoretical and empirical research on the project’s topic, resulting in a PhD dissertation and journal publications.
• Participate in the teaching and research activities of the Public Health chair within the Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science.
• Complete any necessary coursework required for completion of the PhD.

Teamwork and communication are essential. You will contribute to project team meetings, joint conference presentations, and academic publications.

Project Description

The Care2Act project addresses overlapping crises – political polarization, the climate, and security fears – and their effects on mental health and well-being. Engaging in collective action can both challenge and enhance well-being. Traditional research often fails to capture the dynamic processes of activism.

The project applies a novel interactionist approach and uses the concept of strategic care to study the dual task of regulating personal well-being while caring for the world. Care2Act explores:

• Situations, mechanisms, and actors affecting mental health
• Individual and community strategies for regulating well-being during activism
• Transformation of strategic care across phases of engagement
• Influence of the magnitude of the social problem on mental health outcomes

The research can inform public health interventions, political participation studies, and social integration of marginalized groups.

Funding: European Research Council (ERC)
Principal Investigator: Assistant Professor Dr. Anna Zhelnina
Research Team: Principal investigator, a PhD candidate, and two postdoctoral researchers

Your Qualities

• Master’s degree in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, social psychology, or related disciplines (or expected by 31 July 2026).
• Excellent academic record and proven enthusiasm for academic research.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods (ethnography, in-depth interviews). Candidates willing to learn qualitative methods are also welcome. Familiarity with participatory methods is an asset.
• Ability to conduct research independently and as part of a team.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in English (C2). Knowledge of other languages (Dutch, Russian, German) is preferable for fieldwork purposes.

Our Offer

• Initial one-year contract, extendable to four years upon successful assessment.
• Working week of 36–40 hours.
• Gross monthly salary: €3,059 – €3,881 (full-time, CAO NU salary scale P).
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus.
• Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

Additional schemes include professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. Utrecht University encourages investment in personal and professional development.

About Utrecht University

Utrecht University aims for a better future for everyone, motivating scientists to perform leading research and inspire teaching. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of Europe’s leading faculties, providing education and research in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology.

• Approximately 7,000 students
• ~1,100 faculty and staff
• Located at Utrecht Science Park, near the historical city centre

More Information

For more information about the position, contact:
Anna Zhelnina – a.zhelnina@uu.nl

International candidates: Visa/work permit processing requires at least four months. The International Service Desk (ISD) can advise on living in the Netherlands. Housing is the responsibility of the candidate, though guidance is available.

Application Process

Please submit the following documents via the ‘apply now’ button:

1. Motivation letter (max 2 pages) explaining your interest in the project and how your background fits the position. Include preferred case studies and relevant cultural/linguistic capacities.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Grade transcripts of previous education (Bachelor’s and Master’s; unofficial transcripts acceptable).
4. Writing sample (course paper, thesis, or publication). If not in English, include a 300-word English abstract.
5. Contact information for two references (email, phone, mailing address, relationship to applicant).

First round of interviews: third week of March 2026
Application deadline: 27 February 2026

Utrecht University is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing a safe and supportive environment for all staff. Knowledge security screening may apply.

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