Welcome to Maastricht University!
We are seeking a PhD Candidate for an ERC-funded research project examining social ostracism (being ignored and excluded) as a lived experience, and how it intersects with the broader phenomena such as loneliness, discrimination, and group-based inequality that are riddling many societies currently.
PhD Candidate in social psychology of the lived experience of ostracism
- Our Goal: We aim to study social ostracism in real-world settings to better understand how it unfolds and escalates in everyday social interactions.
- Our Colleagues: You will be in the Applied Social Psychology (ASP) section that is embedded in the Department of Work and Social Psychology of the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience of Maastricht University. ASP focuses on using psychological theories to understand and influence human behaviour in real-world contexts. The group addresses pressing social and health issues, studying phenomena such as inequality and digitalization. The team integrates methods and perspectives from social psychology, health psychology, public health, and behavioral intervention using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including field studies and stakeholder participation. More information can be found here https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/wsp/research/applied-social-psychology
We are committed to conducting rigorous, and socially-relevant research that addresses societal challenges while at the same time being theory-driven and contributing to a refined understanding of psychological processes. We value collegiality, knowledge exchange, and collaboration within our research group as well as with other research groups within and outside Maastricht University.
Social ostracism is the experience of being ignored, excluded, overlooked, and forgotten. Compared to other social stressors, ostracism is characterized by its subtlety and being disguised or minimized as a seemingly harmless experience. In contrast to the popular belief that ostracism is no big deal, studies have shown that it’s extremely painful and consequential. We aim to study social ostracism in real-world settings to better understand how it unfolds and escalates in everyday social interactions. While much of what we know comes from controlled laboratory experiments, real-world contexts offer richer insights into the subtle, complex ways people ignore, exclude, or distance themselves from others. By examining ostracism as it naturally occurs – in workplaces, schools, communities, and online spaces – we hope to uncover the social, emotional, and behavioral consequences that cannot fully emerge in experimental paradigms. Planned methodology includes primary data collection (daily diary, experience sampling) and secondary data analysis of existing panel data. Target populations may include low-SES groups, immigrants, or racial and ethnic minorities.
What you do
We offer a 4-year ERC-funded PhD position to examine the lived experience of ostracism. The project aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of ostracism as a lived experience and how it links to loneliness, discrimination, and inequality. As part of the PhD trajectory, you will develop hypotheses, design empirical studies, collect and analyze data, present findings at international conferences, and write articles to be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals that will be part of the PhD thesis. The position includes a 10% teaching component, which may involve tutoring master’s courses and supervising bachelor’s or master’s theses. For your postgraduate education, you will be enrolled in the PhD training of the Kurt Lewin Institute (https://kurtlewininstituut.nl). You will also have the opportunity to obtain the university teaching qualification (Basis Kwalificatie Onderwijs, BKO). You will be a member of the Causality in Psychology lab https://sites.google.com/view/dren/lab, and be supervised by an interdisciplinary team including dr. Dongning Ren, dr. Wen Wei Loh, prof. dr. Kai Jonas. You will be embedded in the department of Work & Social Psychology (https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/work-and-social-psychology), consisting of a collegial, welcoming, and enthusiastic team of scholars in social psychology, health psychology, public health, behavioral interventions, and organization science.
Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.
What you bring
We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?
We are looking for a highly motivated and talented candidate, with a master degree in social psychology or a related field (e.g., quantitative psychology, social epidemiology, sociology, health psychology) who demonstrates a large set of the following qualities:
- Strong quantitative skills with enthusiasm for real-world data and modern analytic methods; proficient in R.
- Meticulous attention to detail in data management, coding, and documentation, as well as a commitment to open science.
- Collaborative attitude that is expressed in curiosity, humility, adaptability and resilience, able to respond constructively to challenges, feedback, and evolving research directions.
- Clear and effective communication skills, both in writing and oral presentation in English.
- Intrinsic motivation for excellence, showing conscientiousness, persistence, and a strong drive to produce high-quality, impactful research.
What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:
- A 12-month contract with the prospect of a 3 year extension, based on mutual satisfaction.
- A gross monthly salary between €3.059 and €3.881 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
- 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
- Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
- Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
- A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
- A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
- An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.
About the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN)
At FPN, we share a curiosity about the human brain and behaviour. Together with our students, we explore how our brains function and learn why we do what we do. We connect perspectives and contribute to living together in society.
Interested?
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Dr. Dongning Ren (dongning.ren@maastrichtuniversity.nl; https://sites.google.com/view/dren).
You can also apply directly using the button below to register and upload your CV, university transcripts, and a motivation letter (max 2 pages) outlining your motivations for applying for this position and including the contact details of two referees we may approach. Application deadline is 5 february.
We look forward to getting to know you!
About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.
The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.
Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.
