Postdoc in Developmental Psychology

This 2.5-year postdoc project, funded by an NWO Open Competition Large grant, will be conducted in the Developmental Psychology Program at Utrecht University.

Your job

Today’s young people are coming of age in a dangerously warming world, facing uncertainty about their future. How can we address climate change in our schools? The aim of this project is to develop a transformative approach to climate change education and communication for youth. This approach integrates realistic climate information with hope and agency, moving away from traditional threat-based (“doom-and-gloom”) climate education. In particular, our approach invites youth to imagine desirable futures and translate their visions for the future into concrete actions they can take in their everyday lives. Using a mixed-method approach, we crowdsource and co-create scalable climate education and communication methods and evaluate their effects in educational settings.

In this position you will be responsible for co-designing, preparing, and coordinating research, writing peer-reviewed research publications, and disseminating knowledge to inform educational and communication professionals. You will work as part of the transdisciplinary FUTUREPROOF team, bringing together expertise from psychology, education, and communication science, as well as from educational professionals and youth. You must enjoy the challenges that come with working in an emerging area of research and be comfortable with working in teams. You will receive mentorship in further developing their own, independent program of research and grant development.

Your qualities

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who is interested in research at the intersection of psychology, education and communication science. You enjoy working in a collaborative environment in which you have the freedom to work independently, while also contributing to a shared goal. You take a mastery-oriented approach to your own learning and development and are eager to support the learning and development of more junior researchers.

Experience in climate education and communication is not essential, but would be an advantage.

Requirements

• You hold a PhD in psychology, education, communication, prevention science or a related discipline.
• You have a proven ability to address original and innovative research questions using rigorous research methods. Experience with mixed-methods research, for example integrating participatory, co-creative and experimental methods, would be an advantage.
• You take a proactive, collaborative and creative approach to your work.
• You are flexible and have strong organisational skills.
• You enjoy working as part of a team while also being able to work independently and take ownership of your work.
• You have excellent writing and presentation skills in English; proficiency in Dutch is preferred.

As a postdoc, you will be part of the transdisciplinary FUTUREPROOF team, bringing together expertise from psychology, education and communication science, as well as from educational professionals and young people. You enjoy the challenges of working in an emerging area of research and feel comfortable working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

You will receive mentorship to further develop your own independent research programme and build your experience in grant development.

Our offer

• a job for 1 year, with possibility to extend for an additional 18 months;
• a working week of 28 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €4.251 and €4.925 (salary mid scale 10, bottom scale 11 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth , flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your employment package to your needs. In this way, we encourage you to grow in what you do, both in your work and in your development. Read more about our terms of employment .

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow .

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues.

The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.

At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. If you have any questions about accessibility, for example regarding your workplace Martinus J. Langeveldgebouw , the application process or your work, please contact us via our HR contact page .

More information

For more information, please contact Prof. Sander Thomaes at s.thomaes@uu.nl

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

Applications should include a (1) motivation letter, (2) full CV, and (3) copy of a publication of which you are especially proud. If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to provide two letters of recommendation, preferably of a (former) supervisor or other academic collaborator. Send your application via the ‘apply now’ button.

The first round of interviews takes place in November 2026.

Our preferred start date is January 1, 2027.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff . Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.