The PhD project takes a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research. You will work towards answering the overarching question, which is “How can personalized help at the right time and place help break the nicotine habit and help people to stop smoking and/or vaping?”. You will do so by completing a total of five interconnected studies: you will develop a systems map in which we will identify urban spaces that present most risk through ecological momentary assessment, qualitative interviews and group model building workshops (Studies 1-3); you will systematically develop and pilot test Quit Sense Amsterdam (Study 4); and you will carry out a mixed-methods study on the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the program (Study 5).

You will:

• Manage the project, including scheduling meetings with the supervisory team, preparing agendas, and documenting meetings and research activities;
• Design and prepare the studies (e.g., gathering and synthesizing relevant academic literature, developing surveys, interview guides and workshop materials);
• Collect and analyze data for the studies (e.g., recruit participants for the studies, and analyze data from surveys, interviews, workshops and (pilot) evaluation studies);
• Write academic articles for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and present findings at (inter)national conferences;
• Contribute to the ASCoR research community by participating in workshops, meetings and lectures;
• Support teaching activities at the Bachelor’s level (up to approximately 10% of your time).

You have:

• A (research) master’s degree in Communication Science, Psychology, or a related field or expect to obtain this degree soon;
• Extensive experience with advanced quantitative (e.g., ecological momentary assessment) and/or qualitative research methods (e.g., in-depth interviewing, systems mapping) and data analyses;
• Good analytical, writing, and presenting skills;
• Good project and time management skills enabling you to meet the projects’ deadlines for finishing analyses, reports and other deliverables;
• Proven proficiency in the English language. For more information on what is considered evidence of English language proficiency, please consult this link (section ‘4. English language proficiency (non-Dutch degree students only)’);
• Proficiency in Dutch, as intervention materials will be developed in Dutch and this project will comprise keeping in touch with Dutch-speaking stakeholders.

You are able to:

• Explore insights from various disciplines;
• Show readiness to learn new skills and methods as the project evolves, adapting to challenges with resilience and creativity;
• Demonstrate interest in health communication research in general, and in research related to smoking and vaping specifically;
• Maintain a proactive attitude, be open to feedback, and pay attention to detail;
• Manage your time effectively and work independently, while collaborating well within a team too;
• A strong commitment to methodological rigor and scientific integrity, including open science;
• Motivation to share knowledge with academic and non-academic audiences.

The planned starting date for this project is January 5^th, 2026. The position concerns temporary employment for a maximum term of four years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of 36 months, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. We will put together a curriculum that will also include the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international events. You will also be tasked with teaching (Bachelor’s) students for up to approximately 10% of the contract.                                                                                                                                       

What else do we offer

• A project in which you will do research in close collaboration with the target group and stakeholders from practice;
• A position with ample opportunity for contributing your own initiative and input;
• A position centered on your growth, with ample opportunities for scholarly and professional development, including the opportunity to take Dutch language courses;
• A supervision team with the goal to supervise and advise the PhD candidate in their work and professional development through regular team meetings;
• A daily supervisor who is available for the PhD candidate for regular contact on all matters relevant to the candidate;
• An enthusiastic and warm department that is open to new colleagues;
• A large, welcoming community of PhD candidates working on various projects within Communication Science;
• While frequent presence at the office is valued in terms of cohesion and team building, we offer the opportunity to work hybrid (e.g., to work from home for 1 day a week).