PhD Position in Interdisciplinary Social Science – Activism Mental Health (ERC Project Care2Act)
Utrecht University – Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
Hours: 36–40 per week
Utrecht University invites applications for a fully funded PhD position within the ERC-funded project “Strategic Care in Activism: Mental Health Across Scales of Social Change” (Care2Act). This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of psychology, sociology, and public health, studying how activists and communities sustain mental well-being during collective action in times of societal crisis.
About the Project – Care2Act
Care2Act examines how overlapping global crises—political polarisation, climate threats, and security fears—shape the mental health of activists. While activism can empower, energise, and build solidarity, it can also be draining and contribute to burnout and distress.
The project adopts a novel interactionist approach, integrating psychological and sociological perspectives to study:
- the mechanisms influencing mental health during activism,
- strategies individuals and communities use to regulate well-being,
- how “strategic care” evolves across phases of engagement, and
- how the scale of a social problem affects well-being outcomes.
Using multi-level comparative methods—including participatory Ripple Effects Mapping—Care2Act aims to generate new interdisciplinary tools to inform public health research, political participation studies, and the support systems available to activist communities.
The research team includes the Principal Investigator Dr. Anna Zhelnina, one PhD candidate, and two postdoctoral researchers.
Role and Responsibilities
As the PhD researcher, you will conduct qualitative and participatory research with two activist communities (preferably in the Netherlands or Germany). You will contribute to the project’s comparative framework and collaborate closely with the interdisciplinary research team.
Your duties include:
- Conducting qualitative research (observation, interviews, participatory methods).
- Producing a PhD dissertation and peer-reviewed publications.
- Participating in teaching and departmental research activities.
- Contributing to team meetings, joint publications, and conference presentations.
- Completing required PhD coursework.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should hold (or expect to hold by 31 July 2026) a Master’s degree in:
- social sciences
- sociology
- anthropology
- social psychology
- or a related discipline
Additional requirements:
- Strong academic record and motivation for research.
- Experience or interest in qualitative methods (ethnography, interviews).
- Knowledge of participatory methods is an asset.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Proficiency in English (C2 level).
- Additional languages (Dutch, German, Russian) are advantageous for fieldwork.
Employment Conditions
- Initial 1-year contract, extended to 4 years upon positive evaluation.
- Salary: €3,059–€3,881 gross per month (full-time, scale P).
- Benefits:
- 8% holiday allowance
- 8.3% year-end bonus
- Pension scheme
- Partially paid parental leave
- Flexible working arrangements
- Professional development support
- Access to sports and cultural facilities
Utrecht University’s Terms of Employment Options Model also allows customised benefits packages.
About Utrecht University
Utrecht University is one of Europe’s leading research institutions, known for interdisciplinary collaboration across strategic themes such as:
- Dynamics of Youth
- Institutions for Open Societies
- Life Sciences
- Pathways to Sustainability
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences hosts nearly 7,000 students and 1,100 staff across a wide range of disciplines including sociology, psychology, anthropology, and interdisciplinary social science.
Application Instructions
Applicants must submit the following via the Apply Now portal:
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages) – explaining your interest, relevant background, and preferred case study communities (including linguistic or cultural competencies).
- Curriculum vitae.
- Grade transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s; unofficial accepted).
- Writing sample (thesis, paper, or publication; include a 300-word English abstract if not written in English).
- Contact details of two referees.
Interview timeline: First-round interviews will be held in the third week of March 2026.
Important: International candidates needing visas/work permits should note that processing may take at least four months after selection.
More Information
Further details about working and living in the Netherlands can be found through Utrecht University’s International Service Desk and the Dutch Mobility Portal.
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