Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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PhD in Online and Offline Social Relationships Among Youth at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Education
Funding
This is a salaried PhD employment position at 0.8 FTE. The salary is €3,204 gross per month initially and rises to a maximum of €4,051 gross per month in the fourth year for a full-time appointment. The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension to a total of five years subject to sufficient progress. Benefits include 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, commuting-cost contribution, professional-development opportunities, and other employment benefits.
Deadline
Nov 24, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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About this position
PhD position: Online/offline relationships of young people
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is seeking a PhD candidate for the Stronger2gether consortium to investigate how young people's online and offline social relationships are intertwined and how digital experiences can strengthen positive relationships, mental well-being, and flourishing.
The project is located within the Department of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences and involves collaboration with students in vocational and special secondary education, teachers, and other professionals. The PhD researcher will contribute to a systematic review, conduct focus groups, undertake design-based research, and potentially perform mixed-methods evaluation research. The work will support co-created interventions and approaches for promoting positive relationships, contribute to the CARES model, and generate findings applicable in educational practice.
The successful candidate will work with young people as research partners, participate in training and intervision, collaborate within a national transdisciplinary consortium, publish English-language peer-reviewed articles, write a dissertation, and contribute to a documentary and practice book. Supervisors are Dr. Anne de Bruijn, Prof. Dr. Ina Koning, Dr. Svenja Buttner, and Dr. Chiel van der Veen.
Applicants need a research or regular master's degree in behavioral sciences or a related field, research experience using qualitative and quantitative methods, interest in youth social relationships and digital environments, analytical skills, English and Dutch proficiency, and the ability to collaborate with young people and professional partners. The position is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, at 0.8 FTE. The salary ranges from €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month, with an initial one-year contract extendable to five years. Applications are due by 24 November 2026.
Funding details
This is a salaried PhD employment position at 0.8 FTE. The salary is €3,204 gross per month initially and rises to a maximum of €4,051 gross per month in the fourth year for a full-time appointment. The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension to a total of five years subject to sufficient progress. Benefits include 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, commuting-cost contribution, professional-development opportunities, and other employment benefits.
What's required
Applicants should hold a (research) master's degree in behavioral sciences, such as psychology, pedagogy, or educational sciences, or a related field. Demonstrable experience designing and conducting qualitative and quantitative empirical research is required, potentially evidenced by publications. Applicants should be interested in social relationships among students in education, practice improvement, and understanding young people's online environment. Curiosity, analytical skills, affinity with transdisciplinary and practice-oriented research, strong spoken and written English and Dutch, teamwork with practice partners and fellow researchers, and enthusiasm for working with young people are expected. A diploma and reference check are part of the selection procedure.
How to apply
Apply through the AcademicTransfer vacancy portal by 24 November 2026; applications submitted by email will not be considered. Interviews are scheduled at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam on 3 and 14 December.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.