The University of Amsterdam invites applications for 4-year PhD position on the psychology of science scepticism, which is part of a project funded by an ERC grant awarded to Dr Bastiaan Rutjens in 2021.
Project details:
Science scepticism among the public represents an important societal challenge. While recent research has shed light on some of the ideological correlates of specific manifestations of science scepticism – such as climate change denial and vaccine hesitancy – a unifying psychological principle that can be applied to science scepticism more generally has not yet been identified. Our lab investigates psychological distance to science as a precursor of science scepticism. In this project, the focus will be on evaluations of scientists (i.e., trust in scientists, stereotypes about scientists, scepticism about scientists’ motives). Various methods will be employed, including large-scale cross-national surveys, controlled experiments, and secondary data analysis.
The PhD candidate will work under the daily supervision of Dr Bastiaan Rutjens and Prof. Gerben van Kleef, who are both based at the Department of Psychology of the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, which is ranked 16th in the QS World University Rankings. The University of Amsterdam has access to state-of-the-art research facilities (Psychology labs / Spinoza centre) to implement and coordinate the proposed research. The PhD candidate will report the research results at project meetings, conferences and in international journals, ultimately leading to a PhD dissertation. The candidate will also provide teaching assistance (15%).
Worth of Award
- The salary will be €2,395 to €3,061 (scale P) gross per month, based on a full-time contract of 38 hours a week.
- This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
Eligibility
- Master’s degree (preferably obtained in a research master program) in social psychology, cognitive psychology, psychological methods, communication science, or equivalent program;
- passion for research and a demonstrable interest in the topic of the project (i.e., science skepticism, social stereotypes, trust);
- strong in conceptual thinking as well as in data analysis skills;
- experience/strong affinity with big data analysis techniques (e.g., web scraping, social network analysis) and text analysis (e.g., LIWC);
- experience/strong affinity with behavioural outcome measures and behaviour change;
- excellent writing skills;
- excellent English proficiency.
How to Apply
You may apply online by using the link below.
Applications should include:
- your CV;
- a letter explaining your motivation and qualifications;
- a grade list, and
- the names of 2 references.
Deadline: Application closes November 2, 2020.