PhD positions at Utrecht University, Netherlands (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for a fully funded PhD position at Utrecht University, Netherlands, within the ERC-funded project “Strategic Care in Activism: Mental Health Across Scales of Social Change” (Care2Act). This interdisciplinary opportunity sits at the intersection of social psychology, sociology, and public health, exploring how activists and communities maintain mental health and well-being during collective action amid societal crises.

The position is fully funded for 4 years (with an initial 1-year contract extendable upon positive evaluation), open to candidates holding (or expecting by July 2026) a Master’s degree in sociology, anthropology, social psychology, or related social science fields. No application fee is required. International applicants are welcome, though those needing a Dutch visa/work permit should note that processing can take at least 4 months after selection. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Position Type: Fully funded PhD (4 years)
• Field: Interdisciplinary Social Science (social psychology, sociology, public health)
• Project: ERC-funded “Care2Act” – Strategic Care in Activism and Mental Health
• Institution: Utrecht University, Netherlands
• Department: Interdisciplinary Social Science (Public Health chair)
• Working Hours: 36–40 hours per week
• Salary: €3,059–€3,881 gross per month (full-time, scale P)
• Duration: 1-year contract initially, extendable to 4 years
• Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
• Open for all Nationalities

About the Project

The Care2Act project examines how overlapping societal crises (political polarization, climate change, security fears) affect mental health, and how engagement in activism can both empower and exhaust individuals. It introduces the concept of strategic care – balancing personal well-being with caring for broader social issues.

Using innovative qualitative and participatory methods (including Ripple Effects Mapping), the project compares activism at different scales:

• Local movements
• Identity-based movements
• Climate-related movements

The research will explore:

1. Situations, mechanisms, and actors affecting activists’ mental health
2. Individual and community strategies for regulating well-being
3. How strategic care evolves across phases of engagement
4. The influence of the scale/magnitude of social problems on mental health outcomes

Also Check: Türkiye Scholarships for BS, MS and PHD 2026 (Fully Funded)

Your Role and Tasks

You will conduct qualitative fieldwork (observations, interviews, participatory methods) with two comparable activist communities (preferably in the Netherlands or Germany; cases to be decided collaboratively based on your interests and background).

Main responsibilities:

• Conduct independent theoretical and empirical research leading to a PhD dissertation and journal publications
• Participate in teaching and research activities of the Public Health chair
• Complete required PhD coursework
• Collaborate with the project team (PI, 1 PhD, 2 postdocs) through regular meetings, joint presentations, and co-authored publications

Also Check: Khalifa University Scholarships for BS, MS and PhD 2026 (Fully Funded)

Candidate Requirements

• Master’s degree (or expected by 31 July 2026) in sociology, anthropology, social psychology, or related social science discipline
• Excellent academic record and strong enthusiasm for academic research
• Experience with qualitative methods (ethnography, in-depth interviewing); willingness to learn is sufficient – familiarity with participatory methods is an asset
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong planning, organisation, and time-management skills
• Proficiency in English (C2 level)
• Knowledge of Dutch, German, Russian, or other relevant languages is an advantage

Also Check: Global Excellence Scholarship for BS, MS and PhD 2026

What We Offer

• Initial 1-year contract, extendable to 4 years
• Gross monthly salary: €3,059–€3,881 (full-time, scale P, CAO Dutch Universities)
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions
• Vibrant, interdisciplinary, and inclusive academic environment

Also Check: 18 Fully Funded PhD Scholarship Opportunities at University of Surrey, UK

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the official Utrecht University application portal (Find the link Below).

Required documents:

1. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages): explain your interest in the project, relevant background, preferred case studies/movements, and linguistic/cultural capacities for fieldwork
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Grade transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s; unofficial accepted)
4. Writing sample (e.g., course paper, thesis chapter, or publication). If thesis is not in English, include a 300-word English abstract
5. Contact details of two references (name, email, phone, relationship)

Important note: International candidates requiring a visa/work permit for the Netherlands should note that processing takes at least 4 months after selection.
Application Deadline: 27 February 2026

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on activism and mental health!

Also Check: Hardiman PhD Scholarship at University of Galway (Fully Funded)