You will be part of a larger project that investigates the effects of digital technologies on children and adolescents who use these technologies for the first time. Specifically, the project will examine whether and how these technologies influence children’s attention and well-being. In this project, data collection will be based on 1) a randomized controlled field trial among novice video game players, and 2) a longitudinal field study among novice smartphone users. As a Postdoc you will be involved in the data collection of both projects and will work in close collaboration with the other team members.

During this project, you will:

• Design and conduct two (controlled) longitudinal field experiment which examine the effects of digital technologies on children. These studies will last 6 – 12 months and will be conducted in the field (i.e., by visiting families or schools) 

• Apply advanced longitudinal data analysis techniques

• Write up academic papers for publications in high-impact scientific journals and presenting them at (inter)national conferences.

• Co-supervise a PhD student working on this project

You have:

• A PhD degree in communication science or a related social-science field (e.g., psychology, educational sciences, etc.), or expect to obtain it soon;

• A demonstrated interest in media effects research;

• A demonstrated interest in quantitative methods and the ability to self-teach new techniques; experience with longitudinal data analyses is a plus;

• Skills and willingness to handle complex datasets;

• Outstanding organizational skills, as well as flexible attitude;  

• Enthusiasm to communicate with children and families;

• Excellent spoken and written English skills with proficiency in Dutch or a willingness to learn Dutch.

You are:

• Curious, creative, and interested in learning from different disciplines

• Eager to learn new digital data collection methods and new data analytical skills

• Resilient in the face of challenges that come with new methodological approaches

• Able to balance the demands of several tasks successfully

• Organized, flexible, and demonstrate attention to detail

• Able to work independently, and you have a pro-active attitude

• Able to work in a team and contribute to its work; you are a team player and communicate effectively

The planned starting date for this project is September 1, 2025. The position concerns temporary employment of 30,40 hours 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. This is a 80% position (.8 fte). We will put together a curriculum which will also include the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international events. For this position, the University Job Classification profile “Researcher” applies.