PhD position Adversity and resilience in organizations (1.0 FTE)

Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of science? Are you looking for a PhD position in which you can turn your curiosity into concrete research results and a dissertation? In that case, the position of PhD in Organizational and Social Psychology at the University of Groningen (UG) might just be what you are looking for!

As a PhD candidate in Organizational and Social Psychology, you will have the opportunity to develop your own insights, collect data, and share your findings with both scientific colleagues and partners from professional practice worldwide. Under the guidance of a supervisor and together with a motivated team, you will work on meaningful solutions and contribute to the future of your field.
This project examines how individuals and teams respond to adversity at work, using an episodic approach to resilience. Instead of viewing resilience as a fixed trait, we investigate it as a dynamic and context-dependent process that unfolds over time.
We integrate organizational psychology (workplace stress, team resilience, job demands-resources model) with social psychology (interpersonal and group processes, collective coping, and social support) to understand

• How individuals and teams navigate challenges in organizations.
• The role of social interactions and team dynamics in resilience.
• How perceived social support and collective efficacy impact recovery from workplace adversity.

Methodologically, the project employs longitudinal and event-based approaches, including diary studies, experiments, and behavioral assessments, to capture real-time resilience processes in organizations.

Why would you want to apply for this position?

1. To make an impact: in this role, you will directly contribute to scientific insights that address societal issues. Your research will not only translate into publications, but also into concrete solutions, ensuring a tangible impact.
2. Personal development: you will have the opportunity, with the support of experienced scientists, to develop yourself into an expert. This combination of research and teaching offers plenty of opportunities for professional and personal growth.

As a PhD candidate, you will perform the following duties

• You will conduct research that results in a dissertation and is consistent with the goals and requirements of the project.
• You will organise and conduct data collection for the subprojects.
• You will publish research results in international scientific journals.
• You will present the research to a wide audience of both domestic and international fellow scientists and partners from the professional field.
• You will collaborate with fellow scientists in the larger project.
• You will contribute to a limited number of teaching activities in the Department of Psychology, such as working groups and guest lectures.

This is where you will be working
The University of Groningen ranks among the top European universities and is internationally oriented. The university is socially engaged and actively involved in its environment. In a wide range of disciplines, researchers and teachers practice their disciplines out of scientific passion. Everyone is empowered to do their best. The talents, ambitions and performance of the 34,000 students and 6,500 employees of the UG are stimulated as much as possible.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences is strong in research and teaching on human behaviour, thinking, learning, and coexistence. We work on social issues and problems that people experience in everyday life. Individual and societal resilience and how to increase it are central to our work. We focus on the topics of migration, environment and climate, health, parenting and education, the protection of vulnerable minorities, and sustainable partnerships. Over 650 employees work at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences.

More information about the faculty can be found at the link https://www.rug.nl/gmw/

The Department of Organizational Psychology focuses on workplace behavior, leadership, resilience, and team dynamics, using psychological theories to improve well-being and performance in organizations. The Department of Social Psychology examines how individuals and groups influence each other, addressing topics such as social identity, intergroup relations, and collective behavior. Together, these fields provide a comprehensive approach to understanding how people navigate challenges in social and organizational settings.