Post-doctoral Researcher on Sustainable Consumer Behavior

Are you a specialist in behavior change theory? Do you have an interest for sustainable consumer behavior? Would you be interested in working on a project with societal stakeholders interested in circular consumer behavior?

Post-doctoral Researcher at VU Amsterdam FSH Department of Communication Science

At the VU Amsterdam FSH Department of Communication Science, we are looking for a Post-doctoral Researcher to join our team to work on a project on sustainable consumer behavior. The project, CIVIC-4CE, explores how people can help make the circular economy part of everyday life.

Many consumers want to extend product lifespans but face barriers such as cost, convenience, lack of access or lack of trust. The project studies what motivates circular choices and, together with businesses, creates new services, digital tools, and policies that make repairing and reusing accessible and desirable. By connecting behavioral research with product design, business models, and governance, CIVIC-4CE brings all actors in society together to build a practical and lasting transition toward a circular system that reduces waste and preserves value for society.

Your duties

The Post-doctoral Researcher will work on a work package within the CIVIC-4CE project that focuses on understanding what psychological, social, and contextual factors and specific beliefs most strongly drive Dutch consumers’ willingness to perform circular behaviors, such as repair or re-use, for the sector of electrical household equipment. You will work directly with Guido van Koningsbruggen and Ana Isabel Lopes. The behavioral science insights from this work package will form input for other projects within CIVIC-4CE.

The Post-doctoral Researcher is expected to conduct literature reviews, design qualitative and quantitative surveys (cross-sectional and longitudinal), collect and analyze survey data, report and communicate results, and participate in consortium activities in the context of the larger project. This involves presenting at conferences and workshops, and collaborating on academic and professional publications.

These tasks are intended as development opportunities and will be performed under guidance, depending on your experience and growth within the role.

Jouw profiel

• A Ph.D. in communication science, social psychology, or a related social science discipline;
• Knowledge of, and interest in, sustainable consumer behavior and behavioral change theory (e.g., reasoned action and planned behavior theories);
• Experience in quantitative (surveys, longitudinal research) and qualitative research (open-ended surveys, content analysis).
• Collaborative mindset: excellent social skills and the ability to work with societal stakeholders in the realm of the project.
• A firm belief in the importance of transparency, reproducibility, and FAIR data principles.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 level or higher).
• Preferably excellent command of written and spoken Dutch (C1 level or higher).

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Wat bieden wij

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world.

We offer you:

• a position for 1 FTE. The expected project start date is October 2026. You would start October 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter (no later than 1 November 2026). The initial employment contract will affect a period of 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for another year, for a total duration of two years.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

Over ons

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

The faculty consists of nine academic departments within three schools: School of Religion & Theology (SRT), School of Social Sciences (SSc) and School of Humanities (SH).

Are you interested in joining Social Sciences and Humanities? You become part of a dynamic academic community with approximately 900 staff members, over 5,000 regular students and more than 5,000 course participants. In an inspiring and collegial environment, we work together on education and research with impact.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. By joining forces across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research.