PhD Science identity and open science

Job description

“Science Identity” refers to how people view themselves as science persons. What aspects an individual considers to be relevant to their science identity is shaped by the norms of their discipline, as well as their experience of engaging in different types of science-related activities (called practices) and their (doctoral) training. A central aspect of doctoral training is the socialization of novice researchers into their disciplines via methods training. Recently many standard practices have been challenged by the Open Science movement, which advocates for science reform through new practices such as preregistration and open data sharing. In this research project we are interested in exploring the intricate relationships between science identities, disciplinary norms, and science practices by studying how doctoral candidates within psychology engage with open science practices in the process of their research training. The central research question that this project addresses is: How do science identities develop in relation to disciplinary norms, and how does this development influence the uptake of reform practices in psychology?

The PhD candidate involved in this project will engage in a multi-phase research process aimed at unraveling the complex dynamics between science identity, practices, and disciplinary norms using primarily qualitative methods. Due to its focus on science practices, the project will include observations in addition to interviews and a literature review. The research will be carried out in the context of a collaborative project in which members approach the subject from different perspectives, and we explicitly invite candidates who are open to the challenge of navigating different stances towards open science. As a team we value open and clear communication, spirited debate, pragmatic decision making, and prioritize well-being and support.

Organisation

The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has had top priority for four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences excels in teaching and research in the fields of human behaviour, thinking, learning, and how people live together. We work on societal issues and problems that people experience in daily life. Central to this is individual and societal resilience and how to increase this. To this end, we focus on the topics of migration, the environment and climate, health, upbringing and education, the protection of vulnerable minorities, and sustainable partnerships.

The PhD position is located within two different departments. The Theory & History of Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Groningen. The unit undertakes interdisciplinary studies on the role that psychology plays in contemporary society. On the one hand, this is done through the critical exploration of the basic assumptions underlying psychological knowledge and research. And on the other, by analysing how the discipline has been defined and redefined—originally as “the science of the soul,” then “of behaviour” and “of mind” and “brain” (and other things besides)—leading to the psychologization of society and producing profound changes in our understanding of human and animal nature.

The Nieuwenhuis Institute for Educational Research encompasses all research of the Department of Pedagogical & Educational Sciences and the Department of Teacher Education. Researchers within the Nieuwenhuis Institute study a wide variety of subjects within pedagogical and educational sciences. The PhD student will specifically collaborate with GION. GION contributes to better education by conducting academic research. Its goal is to expand the body of knowledge about education and to improve educational practice.

The tasks of the PhD candidate are

• Conduct research that results in a dissertation and is in line with the objectives and requirements of the project.
• Organize and execute the data collection for the different studies.
• Publish the results of the research in international scientific journals.
• Present the research findings to fellow scientists and developers in the larger project, and collaborate with them.
• Provide a limited number of educational activities at the departments of Psychology and Educational Science, such as small-scale tutorials and guest lectures, in collaboration with the supervisors.

Qualifications

For this position you are expected to

• Have a (Research) Master's degree in psychology (or a related discipline).
• Have a good academic track record.
• Be enthusiastic about writing international publications and a dissertation.
• Have good academic English writing skills.
• Have good social and communication skills and are willing to work with other team members.
• Have an affinity for qualitative research methods (though helpful, no prior experience is required).
• Have good organizational skills and the motivation to organize and realize data collection.
• Have demonstrable competences in conceptual capacity, presenting, planning and organizing and monitoring.

Organisation

Conditions of employment

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• A salary of € 2,872 gross per month in the first year of the appointment, rising to € 3,670 gross per month in the fourth year for a full-time position. The position is classified in accordance with the University Job Classification (UFO) system; the UFO profile is PhD candidate.
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance.
• Attractive secondary terms of employment.
• A temporary employment of 1.0 FTE for a period of four years. You will first be employed for a period of one year. After a positive result and development interview, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of three years.

Intended starting date: 1 December 2024