Utrecht University is offering a fully funded PhD position in Interdisciplinary Social Science, focusing on the intersection of sociology, anthropology, social psychology, activism, and mental health. The position is part of the ERC-funded project “Strategic Care in Activism: Mental Health Across Scales of Social Change” (Care2Act), led by Assistant Professor Dr. Anna Zhelnina. The research explores how individuals and communities maintain well-being while engaging in collective action, using innovative qualitative and participatory methods. The project investigates social movements at various scales and aims to understand the mechanisms and strategies that activists use to regulate mental health and well-being during societal crises. The successful candidate will conduct qualitative fieldwork with two activist communities (in the Netherlands or Germany), contribute to theoretical and empirical research, and participate in teaching and research activities within the Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science. The research team includes the principal investigator, a PhD candidate, and two postdoctoral researchers, fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. The project will employ methods such as ethnography, in-depth interviews, and participatory Ripple Effects Mapping to analyze the impact of activism on mental health and well-being. Applicants must hold or expect to obtain a Master’s degree in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, social psychology, or related fields by July 31, 2026. Candidates should have an excellent academic record, enthusiasm for research, and familiarity with qualitative research methods. Proficiency in English (C2 level) is required, and knowledge of Dutch, Russian, or German is advantageous for fieldwork. The position offers a four-year contract (initially one year, extendable), a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881, 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities. Utrecht University is renowned for its research-intensive and collaborative environment, located at Utrecht Science Park. To apply, candidates must submit a motivation letter, CV, grade transcripts, a writing sample, and contact information for two references via the university’s online application portal by 27 February 2026. For more information, contact Dr. Anna Zhelnina at [email protected]. International candidates are welcome, and support is available for visa and relocation processes. This opportunity is ideal for graduates passionate about interdisciplinary social science research, activism, and mental health.

Utrecht University is offering fully funded PhD and postdoctoral positions in the ERC-funded project “Strategic Care in Activism: Mental Health Across Scales of Social Change” (Care2Act). These positions are based in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, and focus on the intersection of mental health, activism, and interdisciplinary social science. The research explores how individuals and communities maintain well-being while engaging in collective action, using innovative qualitative and participatory methods to study care, strategy, and collective action during societal crises. The PhD position involves conducting qualitative fieldwork with two activist communities (preferably in the Netherlands or Germany), contributing to theoretical and empirical research, and participating in teaching and research activities within the Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science. The postdoc will lead empirical case studies on activist initiatives, develop qualitative research instruments, conduct fieldwork, and contribute to both conceptual and empirical publications. Both roles offer opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across social psychology, sociology, and public health. The Care2Act project addresses the challenges activists face regarding mental health and well-being in the context of political polarization, climate change, and security fears. It applies a novel interactionist approach, integrating psychological and sociological perspectives to understand the mechanisms and strategies individuals and communities use to regulate mental health during civic engagement. The project aims to inform public health interventions, political participation, and the social integration of marginalized groups, while providing activists with tools to integrate mental health awareness into their strategies. Applicants for the PhD must hold or expect to obtain a Master's degree in a relevant field by July 31, 2026, have an excellent academic record, and be proficient in English (C2 level). Familiarity with qualitative research methods is required, and knowledge of Dutch, Russian, or German is an asset. The postdoc requires a doctoral degree (or near completion) in a related discipline, experience with qualitative methods, and proficiency in English. Both positions are fully funded, with competitive salaries, benefits, and professional development opportunities. The application deadline for both positions is 27 February 2026. For more information, contact Dr. Anna Zhelnina ([email protected]). To apply, submit the required documents via the Utrecht University application portal. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in March 2026. Keywords: mental health, activism, interdisciplinary social science, psychology, sociology, public health, qualitative research, participatory methods, social movements.

This PhD position at Utrecht University offers a unique opportunity to join the ERC-funded Care2Act project, which investigates the intersection of activism and mental health across different scales of social change. Hosted by the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, the project explores how individuals and communities maintain well-being while engaging in collective action, focusing on local, identity-based, and climate-related social movements. As a PhD candidate, you will conduct qualitative fieldwork with two activist communities, preferably in the Netherlands or Germany, using innovative methods such as observation, interviews, and participatory approaches like Ripple Effects Mapping. The research aims to understand how care, strategy, and collective action interact during societal crises, and how activists regulate their mental health and well-being. You will contribute to theoretical and empirical research, resulting in a PhD dissertation and journal publications, and participate in teaching and research activities within the Public Health chair of the department. The Care2Act project integrates psychological and sociological perspectives, applying a novel interactionist approach to activism and mental health. It seeks to identify combinations of situations and processes during civic engagement that contribute to varying mental health outcomes, and to analyze strategies employed by individuals and communities to regulate well-being. The project’s multi-level comparative approach and participatory methods will provide tools for interdisciplinary research, inform public health interventions, and support the social integration of marginalized groups. Societal impact is anticipated by equipping activists with strategies to integrate mental health awareness into their work. The research team is led by Assistant Professor Dr. Anna Zhelnina and includes the principal investigator, a PhD candidate, and two postdoctoral researchers. The position is fully funded by the European Research Council (ERC), offering a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 (full-time), 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms. The initial contract is for one year, with extension to four years upon successful assessment. Utrecht University also provides professional development opportunities and a supportive, inclusive academic environment. Applicants must hold or expect to obtain by July 31, 2026, a Master’s degree in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, social psychology, or related disciplines. An excellent academic record, enthusiasm for research, and familiarity with qualitative research methods are required; candidates willing to learn these methods are also welcome. Experience with participatory methods is an asset. Proficiency in English (C2 level) is mandatory, and knowledge of Dutch, Russian, or German is preferable for fieldwork. Strong planning, organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. International candidates requiring a visa/work permit should note a minimum four-month processing time after selection. Utrecht University values diversity and strives to create a safe and inclusive environment for all staff. Knowledge security screening may be part of the selection process. To apply, submit a motivation letter (max 2 pages), CV, grade transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s), a writing sample, and contact information for two references via the university’s application portal. If your thesis is not in English, include a 300-word English abstract. The application deadline is 27 February 2026, with first-round interviews scheduled for the third week of March 2026. For further information, contact Assistant Professor Dr. Anna Zhelnina at [email protected]. More details about working at Utrecht University can be found on their website.