PhD Position in Social Psychology and Crowd Dynamics at University of Groningen University of Groningen in Netherlands

The University of Groningen is offering a fully funded PhD position in Social Psychology, focusing on the interdisciplinary study of crowd dynamics. This opportunity is part of the ERC-funded Synergy Grant project CrowdING, which brings together social psychologists, physicists, and computer scientists from the Netherlands and Germany to investigate how crowds form, change behavior, and organize themselves in various social contexts. The research will utilize large-scale laboratory experiments, advanced analysis methods, and powerful simulations to understand and predict crowd behavior.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Social Psychology at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, a group renowned for its research in group processes, collective action, and crowd dynamics. The project is a collaboration with Forschungszentrum Jülich’s Institute for Advanced Simulation-7. As a PhD candidate, you will develop your own research insights, collect and analyze data, and share findings with the team and the broader scientific community. The position offers significant opportunities for personal and professional growth, with support from experienced scientists and a multidisciplinary environment.

Applicants should hold a Master’s or Research Master’s degree in social psychology or a related field, with a preference for those with research experience in crowds or group dynamics. Candidates must demonstrate enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration, strong academic writing and communication skills, organizational abilities, and a good command of English. The position is fully funded, with a gross monthly salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881, generous vacation time, end-of-year and holiday bonuses, and a four-year contract (initially one year, extended upon positive evaluation).

The application deadline is January 12, 2026. To apply, submit your CV and cover letter online via the provided link. The selection process includes confirmation of application, committee review, and interviews for shortlisted candidates. For more information about the research group, visit the Social Psychology group’s page. For questions about the position, contact Full Professor Tom Postmes at [email protected].

This PhD position is ideal for candidates interested in social psychology, group processes, crowd dynamics, and interdisciplinary research involving psychology, physics, and computer science. The University of Groningen is a top 100 university with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research, diversity, and inclusion.