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University of Groningen

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PhD Position in Social Psychology and Crowd Dynamics at University of Groningen University of Groningen in Netherlands

PhD Position in Social Psychology and Crowd Dynamics at University of Groningen

University of Groningen

Netherlands

Jan 12, 2026

Keywords

Computer Science
Sociology
Behavioral Science
Psychology
Social Psychology
Crowd Dynamics
Physics

Description

The University of Groningen is offering a fully funded PhD position in Social Psychology, focusing on the interdisciplinary study of crowd dynamics. This opportunity is part of the ERC-funded Synergy Grant project CrowdING, which brings together social psychologists, physicists, and computer scientists from the Netherlands and Germany to investigate how crowds form, change behavior, and organize themselves in various social contexts. The research will utilize large-scale laboratory experiments, advanced analysis methods, and powerful simulations to understand and predict crowd behavior. The successful candidate will join the Department of Social Psychology at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, a group renowned for its research in group processes, collective action, and crowd dynamics. The project is a collaboration with Forschungszentrum Jülich’s Institute for Advanced Simulation-7. As a PhD candidate, you will develop your own research insights, collect and analyze data, and share findings with the team and the broader scientific community. The position offers significant opportunities for personal and professional growth, with support from experienced scientists and a multidisciplinary environment. Applicants should hold a Master’s or Research Master’s degree in social psychology or a related field, with a preference for those with research experience in crowds or group dynamics. Candidates must demonstrate enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration, strong academic writing and communication skills, organizational abilities, and a good command of English. The position is fully funded, with a gross monthly salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881, generous vacation time, end-of-year and holiday bonuses, and a four-year contract (initially one year, extended upon positive evaluation). The application deadline is January 12, 2026. To apply, submit your CV and cover letter online via the provided link. The selection process includes confirmation of application, committee review, and interviews for shortlisted candidates. For more information about the research group, visit the Social Psychology group’s page. For questions about the position, contact Full Professor Tom Postmes at [email protected]. This PhD position is ideal for candidates interested in social psychology, group processes, crowd dynamics, and interdisciplinary research involving psychology, physics, and computer science. The University of Groningen is a top 100 university with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research, diversity, and inclusion.

Funding

The position is fully funded in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, offering a salary of €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month for full-time employment. Additional benefits include 232 vacation hours per year (based on a 38-hour workweek), end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, 8% holiday allowance, and extensive opportunities for personal and professional development. The contract is temporary for four years, with an initial one-year appointment extended for three more years u

How to apply

Apply online via the provided link by submitting your CV and cover letter. After application, you will receive a confirmation email. The selection committee will review applications and contact candidates within two weeks after the deadline. Interviews will follow for shortlisted candidates.

Requirements

Applicants must have a Master’s or Research Master’s degree in social psychology or a related field, preferably with prior research experience relevant to crowds or group dynamics. Candidates should be interested in interdisciplinary collaboration with psychology, physics, and computer science, and be enthusiastic about writing international publications and a dissertation. A good command of the English language, strong academic writing, social and communication skills, organizational skills, perseverance, and competencies such as conceptual ability, presentation, planning, and monitoring progress are required.

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