PhD Position: Providing informal care to loved ones at the expense of one’s social relations? Radboud University in Netherlands

This PhD position at Radboud University investigates the impact of providing informal care to loved ones on the caregiver’s social relations, including connections with partners, family, and friends. The project is embedded within the SOCION consortium, which addresses societal fragmentation and aims to foster social cohesion for sustainable societies and well-being. The research combines sociological and social-psychological perspectives to explore whether, why, and under which conditions informal caregiving affects the quality and quantity of caregivers’ social networks. Insights from this project will contribute to optimizing care arrangements and understanding the broader implications of population ageing and increased reliance on informal caregivers.

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct independent research, participate in the SOCION consortium, and join the ICS Graduate School alongside peers from Utrecht, Groningen, Amsterdam, and Nijmegen. You will also dedicate 10% of your time to teaching within the Sociology programme at Radboud University. The Department of Sociology, part of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, focuses on themes such as inequality, family and social relationships, and processes of inclusion and exclusion. The department offers an informal and collegial atmosphere, with approximately 25 staff members.

The position offers a four-year contract, starting with 1.5 years and extension upon positive evaluation. The starting salary is €3,059 gross per month, rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, with additional benefits including an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, extra days off, flexible working hours, pension plan, and discounts on sports and cultural activities. Radboud University provides a supportive environment for personal and professional development, with various training and development schemes available.

Applicants must hold an MA or MSc degree in sociology, demonstrate interest and ideally familiarity with social psychology, and possess skills in quantitative research analysis. Professional proficiency in English is required, and proficiency in Dutch is considered a plus. Candidates should be enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research and collaboration with academic and non-academic stakeholders. The application deadline is 1 April 2026, with interviews scheduled for 20 and 28 April. Employment is expected to begin on 1 September 2026.

To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, addressing your letter to Professor Ellen Verbakel. Review the application form for required documents. For further information, contact Prof. C.M.C. Verbakel at [email protected].