Your function
This postdoctoral position with a duration of 6 months is part of the research project “The Normative Integration Regime: How Differential Expectations Shape Immigrant Societies”, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and led by Dr. Philipp Lutz.
Project Description
Beyond formal immigration policies, societies hold unwritten expectations about how immigrants should behave, but we currently lack systematic evidence on these informal rules. This project investigates the social norms in Dutch society towards immigrants and examines the extent to which those norms differ from expectations held toward native citizens. Specifically, the study addresses critical questions: Do people expect more from immigrants than from others? And do they think society is stricter than it actually is? To map these expectations across everyday behaviors (such as civic participation, cultural practices, and social interactions) this research surveys 2,500 Dutch residents. By comparing what people personally believe with what they think others expect, and examining whether identical behaviors are judged differently depending on who performs them, the study aims to reveal how informal expectations shape integration debates and policy preferences in diverse societies.
Role and Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to an emerging research agenda on integration norms in immigrant societies and develop the study design jointly with the principal investigator. This involves both literature review as well as survey design and implementation. In addition, you will have the opportunity to develop and pursue your own research ideas within the broader topic of the project.
Your profile
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who:
- has obtained, or is close to obtaining, a PhD in political science, sociology, social psychology, or another relevant discipline;
- has a publication record appropriate to their career stage, demonstrating the ability to conduct research and publish in internationally recognized journals;
- has skills in designing, implementing, and analysing quantitative empirical research, particularly survey experiment;
- is familiar with migration studies;
- is interested in the study of social norms;
- is communicative, autonomous, and responsible, taking ownership of research projects while being diligent and conscientious in advancing research and publications;
- is fluent in English (C1-level) and ideally Dutch.
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.
What do we offer?
We offer a challenging and rewarding postdoctoral position within a vibrant, ambitious, and socially engaged Department of Political Science and Public Administration. At the VU, you are embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment that fosters substantial academic and professional development. You gain the opportunity to co-author the research articles resulting from the project.
In return for your efforts, we offer you:
- a classification in salary scale 10 minimum € 3.546,00 (Scale 10.0) and maximum € 4.412,00 (Scale 10.5) gross per month, on a full-time basis. Depending on the candidate’s knowledge and experience and due to the nature and funding of the role, the starting salary will generally be set up to approximately this midpoint of the scale 10. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4.
- a research position for 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract is for a fixed duration of 6 months with flexibility on the starting date.
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:
- A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- contribution to commuting expenses
- optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
- a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
About us
About the department
You will be employed at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. This is a large and diverse department with many multidisciplinary research projects into societally relevant topics: https://vu.nl/en/about-vu/faculties/faculty-of-social-sciences/departments/political-science-and-public-administration
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
A better understanding of ourselves and social communities, values and meaning, through social sciences and humanities. That is the aim of The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. No single discipline can do this alone. The SSH disciplines are characterised by an open way of thinking and the natural urge to seek coherence and connection.
The faculty consists of nine academic departments within three schools: School of Religion & Theology (SRT), School of Social Sciences (SSc) and School of Humanities (SH).
Are you interested in joining Social Sciences and Humanities? You become part of a dynamic academic community with approximately 900 staff members, over 5,000 regular students and more than 5,000 course participants. In an inspiring and collegial environment, we work together on education and research with impact.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.
Interested
Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.
Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the
project? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application. We require:
- An academic CV (maximum 2 pages);
- A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) emphasizing the connection between your expertise and the research project;
- A writing sample: for instance, a scientific publication or pre-print of your ongoing empirical work, ideally demonstrating your fit to the project;
- The first round of interviews will be held in July 2026;
- The intended start date is September 2026, or later by mutual agreement.
Submitting a diploma is part of the application process. A reference check may form part of the selection procedure. Candidates will be requested to provide contact details of referees at an appropriate stage in the process.
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
