This four-year PhD position at Leiden University is part of the Building 4 Belonging (B4B) consortium, a collaboration among Leiden University, Twente University, and VU. The project investigates how the built environment impacts loneliness and social belonging among neurodiverse youth, particularly autistic students, in high-school settings. The research will be conducted in co-design with neurodiverse youth and key stakeholders such as school boards, policy makers, and teachers, utilizing a range of methods including questionnaires, qualitative approaches (focus groups, interviews), and ecological momentary assessment (EMA).

High school is a critical social environment for youth, shaping peer communities, social skills, and attitudes toward diversity and inclusion. Despite efforts to foster inclusivity, many students with special needs or vulnerabilities, especially autistic youth, often feel unwelcome and lonely. The project aims to understand how environmental factors—such as overcrowded spaces, lack of seating, challenging acoustics, and sensory overstimulation—affect the ability of neurodiverse youth to participate in peer groups and develop a sense of belonging. Insights from this research will inform strategies to create more inclusive school environments, benefiting not only autistic youth but all students.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Leiden University offers a vibrant academic community with diverse research topics and teaching approaches. The Institute of Psychology, where this position is based, is dedicated to behavioral science research and education, emphasizing themes such as health and wellbeing, social-cognitive-affective decision making, development and learning, and advanced behavioral science methods. The institute values a safe and inclusive environment, open science, interdisciplinarity, and professional development.

Supervision will be provided by Prof. Carolien Rieffe (Developmental & Educational Psychology Unit & Twente University) and Dr. Marieke Bos (Educational & Developmental Psychology Unit). The successful candidate will conduct literature reviews, coordinate co-design studies, write peer-reviewed articles, and present findings at scientific and professional conferences. The position offers opportunities to collaborate with fellow PhD students from diverse academic backgrounds, including design, architecture, and psychiatry.

Applicants should hold or expect to complete a (research) master's degree in psychology, family studies, or a related field by 2026. Essential qualities include a passion for supporting neurodiverse youth, proficiency in Dutch, strong values for diversity and inclusion, collaborative mindset, openness to learning, and clear communication skills. Candidates who do not meet all requirements but feel suited are encouraged to apply.

The position offers an employment contract for 0.8 FTE, initially for one year with possible extension for three years, a competitive salary (€3059 - €3881 gross per month full-time), holiday and end-of-year bonuses, pension scheme, flexible working hours, options for sabbatical or paid parental leave, hybrid working within the Netherlands, home-working allowance, and provision of a laptop and mobile phone. The university is committed to promoting an inclusive community and values diversity in experiences and perspectives.

Applications are accepted until 10 March 2026 and will be processed immediately. For more information or to apply, visit the provided application link or contact Prof. Carolien Rieffe at [email protected]. Additional details about the application procedure and employment conditions are available on the university website.