PhD-position: Collective Action, Cohesion and Inequality

The aim of this project is to understand the interplay between economic inequality, social relations and collective action through behavioural experiments informed by sociological theory as well as philosophical perspectives. Currently, this relation is unclear: inequality is sometimes argued to promote collective action, but it may also undermine networks of social relations necessary for collective action. Your job Thus, the project seeks to understand the causal mechanisms through which inequality in resources and social relations interact in the emergence or breakdown of collective action. This particularly applies to societal challenges that require wide societal buy-in and have long-term effects. The project will situate this research within philosophical discussions and discuss its implications for the value of (in)equality and its relationship to collective action and community. In this PhD project you will develop and tests theory on the interplay between inequality, social cohesion, and collective action. These theories will be at least partly formalized, for example, game-theoretical models, but will also be informed by philosophical (normative) perspectives. Empirical tests will primarily rely on behavioral lab experiments but may also include other empirical approaches depending on how the project develops. During the PhD, you will:

• Learn how to combine theory-driven empirical sociology with philosophical approaches;
• Learn to derive hypotheses from deductive theoretical reasoning through formal methods on sociological phenomena;
• Develop strong skills in experimental methods, data analysis and critical thinking;
• Grow into an independent scientist while expanding your knowledge through your own research;
• Contribute to a collaborative, enthusiastic, and respectful research environment in the Department of Sociology, the interdisciplinary programme SOCION and the interuniversity research school ICS.

This PhD project is part of the SOCION consortium. SOCION addresses a pressing challenge of our time: fragmentation in societies. Social cohesion is society’s fabric and is key to sustainable societies and citizens’ well-being. However, it is increasingly undermined by erosion and polarization between communities, factions, and groups. In this project, psychologists, social historians, demographers, philosophers, and sociologists collaborate with civic organizations to generate and integrate insights into how connections between individuals, groups, and institutions contribute to new pathways to and forms of social cohesion. Your qualities We are looking for someone with

• MA/MSc degree in sociology or a closely related field; interest in, and ideally some familiarity with philosophy
• Interest in the topic of social cohesion and in collaborating in a broad research consortium with academic and non-academic stakeholders
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research, including analytical and theoretical dimensions
• Professional competence in English
• Strong skills in quantitative social science methods, including experimental methods; programming skills (in particular using Python) are recommended

Furthermore your suitability is ideally exemplified by if you:

• Have Interest in theoretical questions about social cohesion and collective action
• Are are a team player who want to play an active role in an inter- and transdisciplinary research community and training programme

Our offer

• a position for 1 year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 in the first year and €3,881 in the fourth year of employment in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University. About us A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues. The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht. More information For more information, please contact Rense Corten at r.corten@uu.nl. Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University. Apply now As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute. Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, a writing sample, and a transcript of your grades from your (research) master’s degree via the ‘apply now’ button. Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal. The first round of (online) interviews is tentatively scheduled for April 13, with the second round (onsite) following closely after. Our preferred start date is September 1, 2026.