Publisher
source

University of Groningen

PhD in Queer Youth Identity and Gaming – Developmental Psychology & Media Studies University of Groningen in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Anthropology

Funding

The position is fully funded with a gross monthly salary of €3,059–€3,881 for full-time employment. Additional benefits include 232 vacation hours per year (based on a 38-hour workweek), 8% holiday allowance, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The initial contract is for one year, with possible renewal for three more years, contingent on satisfactory progress. Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development are provided.

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

Netherlands

University

University of Groningen

Social connections

How do I apply for this?

Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.

Suggested positions

Keywords

Anthropology
Sociology
Psychology
Media Studies
Developmental Psychology
Ethnography
Community Building
Digital Culture

About this position

PhD Opportunity: Queer Youth Identity Development in Online Gaming Spaces

The University of Groningen invites applications for a fully funded PhD position exploring how queer youth navigate identity, community, and belonging in online gaming environments. This interdisciplinary project combines developmental psychology and media studies to investigate identity formation, LGBTQIA+ experiences, and the influence of heteronormative gamer culture. The research will employ qualitative methods such as interviews, discourse analysis, and ethnography to understand the lived experiences of queer youth in digital 'gaymer' communities.

Research Focus:

  • Identity development and negotiation in online gaming spaces
  • Community building and belonging among LGBTQIA+ youth
  • Impact of heteronormative gamer culture and subcommunity formation
  • Interdisciplinary approaches integrating psychology, media studies, and cultural analysis

Supervision Team: Dr. Ole Gmelin, Dr. Lars de Wildt, and Prof. dr. Anna Lichtwarck-Aschoff (all at University of Groningen).

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a (Research) Master’s in psychology, media studies, gender studies, sociology, anthropology, or related fields. Strong English skills and experience with qualitative research are required. Interest in online gaming, LGBTQIA+ issues, and youth development is essential. Applications without a completed master’s must include a supervisor’s support letter.

Funding & Benefits: The position offers a gross monthly salary of €3,059–€3,881, 232 vacation hours/year, 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and professional development opportunities. The contract is initially for one year, renewable for three more years based on progress.

Application Process: Submit a motivation letter (max 1 page), research proposal (max 1000 words), CV with two academic referees, diploma, transcripts, and MA thesis via the University of Groningen’s online portal by 22 April 2026. The selection process includes interviews and assessment. For more information, visit the official vacancy page or contact the supervisors.

Be part of a project that empowers queer youth voices and advances research at the intersection of psychology, media, and digital culture.

Funding details

The position is fully funded with a gross monthly salary of €3,059–€3,881 for full-time employment. Additional benefits include 232 vacation hours per year (based on a 38-hour workweek), 8% holiday allowance, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The initial contract is for one year, with possible renewal for three more years, contingent on satisfactory progress. Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development are provided.

What's required

Applicants must have a (Research) Master’s degree in psychology, media studies, gender studies, sociology, anthropology, or related fields. A strong academic track record is required. Excellent written and spoken English is essential; Dutch is not required. Experience with qualitative research methods such as interviews, discourse analysis, or ethnography is expected. Interest in online gaming, LGBTQIA+ issues, youth development, and digital media cultures is important. Good conceptual, organizational, and planning skills are needed. Applications without a completed master’s degree must include a strong letter of support from the supervisor indicating thesis completion.

Ask ApplyKite AI

Start chatting
Can you summarize this position?
What qualifications are required for this position?
How should I prepare my application?

Professors