Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Psychology

Postdoc Position on the Emotional Dynamics of (Counter)Normative Behavior in Groups

Are you interested in how norm violations emerge and spread in groups? Are you passionate about emotions and (non)verbal communication? Are you looking for a challenging job in a dynamic setting?

The Psychology department of the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences of the University of Amsterdam is looking for a postdoc to join a large NWO-funded research project led by Prof. dr. Gerben A. van Kleef (PI) at the Social Psychology group.

About the Project

The goal of the project at large is to investigate the social dynamics of (counter)normative behavior. Adherence to social norms is important for community functioning, yet norm violations abound. People jump queues, commit fraud, vandalize property, dodge taxes, and engage in sexual harassment. Such behaviors can be highly problematic when they happen sporadically, and even more troublesome when they spread in groups to create systemic problems (e.g., anarchy, corruption, social unsafety, toxic cultures). Despite a longstanding interest in social norms, current science cannot explain or predict when norm violations are contained and when they spread, nor how this happens. This is because dominant perspectives fail to capture the emotional dynamics of (counter)normative behavior.

The team working on this project (two postdocs, a research assistant, external collaborators, and the PI) will develop and test a novel theoretical model of the emotional dynamics of (counter)normative behavior in groups. The basic premise of the model is that the spreading or containment of norm violations depends on observers’ behavioral responses to those violations, which are shaped by emotional processes. We will investigate emotional reactions to norm violations and the social contingencies that modulate these reactions; link emotional reactions to behavioral responses; and examine how emotional expressions and behavioral responses contribute to the spreading or containment of norm violations and the development of social norms over time.

The model will be tested in two complementary work packages. Work package 1 focuses on individual responses to norm violations, using tightly controlled experimental methods. Work package 2 focuses on emotional and behavioral responses to norm violations and downstream consequences for group norms in online and live-interacting groups. The current vacancy pertains to work package 2.

What are you going to do

The job involves the development and execution of cutting-edge research on the emotional dynamics of (counter)normative behavior in groups. Part of the research can be conducted as part of the supervision of bachelor and master projects.

More specifically, you will:

• Review the literature on social norms and (responses to) norm violations as well as relevant research on group dynamics;
• Design and conduct interactive group studies (online and face-to-face) to examine the emotional dynamics of (counter)normative behavior in groups and downstream consequences for group decisions (e.g., in moral dilemmas) and norm development;
• Manage the challenging process of collecting group data from start to end;
• Create and code transcripts and video footage of live group interactions;
• Learn and apply dedicated methodological and statistical procedures for analyzing dynamic group data;
• Write high-quality scientific papers together with other members of the project team;
• Organize a symposium at an international conference;
• Present your work at national and international conferences;
• Perform a small amount of teaching (e.g., thesis supervision).

What do you have to offer

The successful candidate meets the following requirements:

• A PhD degree in social psychology or a related discipline (dissertation to be completed by May 2025 at the latest);
• Demonstrated experience with conducting and publishing high-quality experimental research;
• Experience and/or strong affinity with developing and conducting real and simulated interactive group studies;
• Experience and/or strong affinity with investigating social dynamics in live-interacting groups over time;
• Experience and/or strong affinity with creating and coding transcripts and/or video/audio records of group interactions (e.g., for emotional expressions, speech patterns, and other behaviors);
• Excellent writing skills and a genuine interest in writing papers for publication;
• Independence, a focus on getting things done, and an eye for detail;
• Outstanding organizational skills, flexibility, and a collaborative attitude;
• Willingness and ability to learn and grow in all areas of research;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Availability to start around February-May 2025.

What can we offer you

• A temporary appointment (three years based on 1.0fte) in a world-leading academic department;
• A dedicated and supportive team, characterized by open communication and a wish to learn from each other and excel together;
• A stimulating, innovative and creative academic environment;
• A stepping stone towards becoming a successful independent researcher.

The position concerns (temporary) employment of 30 to 38 hours per week (based on the candidate’s preference) for a maximum term of three years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring financial setbacks, the employment will be extended with two additional years.

Depending on your experience, the minimum salary is € 4.492 and the maximum salary is € 6.148 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, in keeping with salary scale 11, as per the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities.

We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

• A position in which initiative and input are highly valued
• An enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues
• An inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

We provide a challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organization. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Feel free to contact the PI, prof. Gerben A. van Kleef at G.A.vanKleef@uva.nl.

Job Application

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? If so, we look forward to receiving your application by Friday October 25th, 2024. A first round of online interviews with shortlisted candidates will take place on Wednesday November 13th, 2024. Following that, a second round of on-site interviews with a subset of the shortlisted candidates will take place on Wednesday December 4th.

Applications should include the following documents bundled in a single .pdf (not zipped), in the following order:

• A concise statement of motivation (500 words max.);
• A concise statement regarding your fit for the position in light of the abovementioned requirements (300 words max);
• A full academic Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications;
• One first-authored published paper and one first-authored working paper (unpublished) that represents your work;
• Contact information for two academic references (no letters of recommendation at this point).

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.