PhD Position on Parenting in Times of Uncertainty

The PhD project

This PhD project is part of the PARENTALHOPE project, funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant (PI Patty Leijten). You will study the conditions that motivate parents to actively seek exploration and interpersonal connection when the future of their children is uncertain. You will combine cross-national longitudinal research and experimental research to identify the psychological levers that generate an experience of hope, and how this experience shapes parents’ behavior.

 

What are you going to do

• You will work with a survey company to set-up a cross-national longitudinal study in Estonia, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
• You will design and implement a series of experimental lab studies.
• You will analyze the data from both strands of research.
• You will report your findings in peer-reviewed scientific papers.
• You will present your research at international scientific conferences.

 

What do you have to offer

• You have completed (or will complete in the summer of 2026) a master's degree in pedagogy, developmental, social or family psychology, or a related discipline.
• You received training in quantitative research methods and statistics, preferably both longitudinal and experimental research.
• You have demonstrated expertise or a clearly evidenced interest in research on parenting behavior.
• You enjoy engaging deeply with abstract theoretical questions.
• You are comfortable in a research environment where projects develop iteratively, and directions may change over time.
• You enjoy work that requires a high level of precision.
• You feel comfortable working in teams.
• You have experience with scientific writing.
• Dutch proficiency is not required. However, as part of the project involves local data collection with Dutch-speaking participants, it can be an advantage.

 

What else do we offer you

The appointment concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week (1.0 fte) for a period of 4 years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by three years, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. We will put together a graduate school curriculum. You will contribute to teaching activities in the department (around 10% of your time). The starting date is 01 September 2026.

 

Where you will work

The Research Institute of Child Development and Education (RICDE) is part of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam. Dedicated to advancing knowledge on the development, learning, and well-being of children, the institute integrates cutting-edge research with real-world applications to impact education and care. We offer a dynamic environment paired with an informal and supportive atmosphere. You will work in an enthusiastic and warm team where initiative and input are highly valued.

When the future of their child is threatened, many parents increase the protection of their child, aiming to shield them from looming menace. Yet some parents respond differently. These parents not just refrain from protectiveness but actively encourage their children to explore and connect with others. Our current scientific models fail to explain this seemingly counterintuitive behavior.

The PhD project

This PhD project is part of the PARENTALHOPE project, funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant (PI Patty Leijten). You will study the conditions that motivate parents to actively seek exploration and interpersonal connection when the future of their children is uncertain. You will combine cross-national longitudinal research and experimental research to identify the psychological levers that generate an experience of hope, and how this experience shapes parents’ behavior.

 

What are you going to do

• You will work with a survey company to set-up a cross-national longitudinal study in Estonia, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
• You will design and implement a series of experimental lab studies.
• You will analyze the data from both strands of research.
• You will report your findings in peer-reviewed scientific papers.
• You will present your research at international scientific conferences.

 

What do you have to offer

• You have completed (or will complete in the summer of 2026) a master's degree in pedagogy, developmental, social or family psychology, or a related discipline.
• You received training in quantitative research methods and statistics, preferably both longitudinal and experimental research.
• You have demonstrated expertise or a clearly evidenced interest in research on parenting behavior.
• You enjoy engaging deeply with abstract theoretical questions.
• You are comfortable in a research environment where projects develop iteratively, and directions may change over time.
• You enjoy work that requires a high level of precision.
• You feel comfortable working in teams.
• You have experience with scientific writing.
• Dutch proficiency is not required. However, as part of the project involves local data collection with Dutch-speaking participants, it can be an advantage.

 

What else do we offer you

The appointment concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week (1.0 fte) for a period of 4 years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by three years, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. We will put together a graduate school curriculum. You will contribute to teaching activities in the department (around 10% of your time). The starting date is 01 September 2026.

 

Where you will work

The Research Institute of Child Development and Education (RICDE) is part of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam. Dedicated to advancing knowledge on the development, learning, and well-being of children, the institute integrates cutting-edge research with real-world applications to impact education and care. We offer a dynamic environment paired with an informal and supportive atmosphere. You will work in an enthusiastic and warm team where initiative and input are highly valued.

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role, we look forward to receiving your application.

Applications in .pdf should include:

• a curriculum vitae.
• a letter of motivation in which you explain why this PhD project is a good fit for you + a copy of written work (e.g., a thesis or paper) that illustrates your research interests and/or abilities.

 

You can apply via the red button until May 17th, 2026. Interviews will take place between May 26th and May 29th. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given preference over external candidates.

For questions about the position, you can contact: Prof. dr. Patty Leijten (p.leijten@uva.nl).