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Postdoctoral Researcher: Effects of Cannabis Supply Modes on Health and Safety Outcomes

  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
  • 14362
  • PhD
  • €4.728
  • Minimum 15.2 hours
  • Closes on
    31-08-2025
Apply

Postdoctoral Researcher: Effects of Cannabis Supply Modes on Health and Safety Outcomes

  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
  • 14362
  • PhD
  • €4.728
  • Minimum 15.2 hours
  • Closes on
    31-08-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Join us and help us bring this ambitious project to fruition!

In the Netherlands, cannabis use is legal, but recreational cannabis trade is illegal unless it occurs via “coffeeshops” where adults can physically buy cannabis. Other common forms of cannabis trade occurs between social contacts (e.g., between friends)—which is an illegal trade as only coffeeshops are permitted to sell cannabis. Finally, the COVID-19 lock-down spurred a new illegal supply mode of cannabis in the Netherlands (and elsewhere), namely buying cannabis online via illegal drug shops.

This project, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), examines which of the abovementioned cannabis supply modes (coffee-shops vs. social contacts vs. online) predict negative and/or positive outcomes either directly or indirectly. The results can thus provide insights on: (1)whether the supply mode of drugs matters for harm reduction, and (2)whether government-regulated online coffee-shops could reduce harm. Accordingly in addition to distributing the findings in scientific (empirical and theoretical) papers, these results will be shared directly with wide-ranging societal partners to further contribute to practical solutions.

You will be mentored by Dr. Ivy Defoe, Assistant Professor at the department of Child Development and Education of the University of Amsterdam. The role will also involve close collaboration with the Anneberg Public Policy Center (University of Pennsylvania (Upenn); USA).

PhD candidates who have completed their PhD dissertation and will defend it in a few months, are also encouraged to apply.

Working at the UvA

Join us and help us bring this ambitious project to fruition!

In the Netherlands, cannabis use is legal, but recreational cannabis trade is illegal unless it occurs via “coffeeshops” where adults can physically buy cannabis. Other common forms of cannabis trade occurs between social contacts (e.g., between friends)—which is an illegal trade as only coffeeshops are permitted to sell cannabis. Finally, the COVID-19 lock-down spurred a new illegal supply mode of cannabis in the Netherlands (and elsewhere), namely buying cannabis online via illegal drug shops.

This project, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), examines which of the abovementioned cannabis supply modes (coffee-shops vs. social contacts vs. online) predict negative and/or positive outcomes either directly or indirectly. The results can thus provide insights on: (1)whether the supply mode of drugs matters for harm reduction, and (2)whether government-regulated online coffee-shops could reduce harm. Accordingly in addition to distributing the findings in scientific (empirical and theoretical) papers, these results will be shared directly with wide-ranging societal partners to further contribute to practical solutions.

You will be mentored by Dr. Ivy Defoe, Assistant Professor at the department of Child Development and Education of the University of Amsterdam. The role will also involve close collaboration with the Anneberg Public Policy Center (University of Pennsylvania (Upenn); USA).

PhD candidates who have completed their PhD dissertation and will defend it in a few months, are also encouraged to apply.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

We’re seeking a dedicated, driven and creative researcher who thrives on autonomy in their work and views scientific challenges as opportunities to grow and sharpen their approaches.

Your primary tasks would include:

  • review the relevant literature;
  • design and conduct observational studies, which includes developing a new questionnaire and coordinating the data-collection that will be conducted by master-thesis students and research assistants
  • process, code, and analyze the data;
  • collaborate on 1-2 empirical and theoretical scientific papers for publication together with the project team;
  • translate scientific findings into practice-oriented advice;
  • Optionally: a temporary extension of the position with master-thesis supervision is negotiable.

What do you have to offer

Your experience and profile:

  • (an almost completed) PhD degree in criminology, pedagogics, psychology, health-relates sciences sociology, or a related discipline;
  • demonstrated affinity with research on substance use;
  • demonstrated experience with conducting and publishing high-quality research;
  • demonstrated project-management skills;
  • excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
  • excellent data-analytic skills, especially demonstrated experience with structural equation modeling;  
  • demonstrated experience with moderation and mediation analyses;
  •  the candidate will help coordinate a workshop for societal partners, thus Dutch language skills can be of added-value. But Dutch language-skills are not required for the other tasks;
  • high degree of conscientiousness, flexibility, persistence and a collaborative attitude;
  • available  to start as soon as possible between September 15th - October 1st 2025.

What else do we offer

This temporary position of 0.4te (15.2 hours per week) is for a period of 12 months (September 15th 2025-September 14th 2026). If the candidate is interested, a temporary extension of the position with master-thesis supervision is negotiable. For example, the master-thesis students can in part assist with this project’s data-collection and write their thesis based on the project’s data. 

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

We’re seeking a dedicated, driven and creative researcher who thrives on autonomy in their work and views scientific challenges as opportunities to grow and sharpen their approaches.

Your primary tasks would include:

  • review the relevant literature;
  • design and conduct observational studies, which includes developing a new questionnaire and coordinating the data-collection that will be conducted by master-thesis students and research assistants
  • process, code, and analyze the data;
  • collaborate on 1-2 empirical and theoretical scientific papers for publication together with the project team;
  • translate scientific findings into practice-oriented advice;
  • Optionally: a temporary extension of the position with master-thesis supervision is negotiable.

What do you have to offer

Your experience and profile:

  • (an almost completed) PhD degree in criminology, pedagogics, psychology, health-relates sciences sociology, or a related discipline;
  • demonstrated affinity with research on substance use;
  • demonstrated experience with conducting and publishing high-quality research;
  • demonstrated project-management skills;
  • excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
  • excellent data-analytic skills, especially demonstrated experience with structural equation modeling;  
  • demonstrated experience with moderation and mediation analyses;
  •  the candidate will help coordinate a workshop for societal partners, thus Dutch language skills can be of added-value. But Dutch language-skills are not required for the other tasks;
  • high degree of conscientiousness, flexibility, persistence and a collaborative attitude;
  • available  to start as soon as possible between September 15th - October 1st 2025.

What else do we offer

This temporary position of 0.4te (15.2 hours per week) is for a period of 12 months (September 15th 2025-September 14th 2026). If the candidate is interested, a temporary extension of the position with master-thesis supervision is negotiable. For example, the master-thesis students can in part assist with this project’s data-collection and write their thesis based on the project’s data. 

Your place at the UvA

You will be working in this team

The postdoc will join the program group “Forensic Child and Youth Care Sciences” at the Research Institute of Child Development and Education. The postdoc will be mentored by Dr. Ivy Defoe, who is the PI of the project. 

About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. Here, we explore societal and human-centered issues, driven by scientific curiosity but also with an eye for current themes. For example, the impact of media and communication on individuals and society, healthcare challenges, global urbanization, human development, the role of political institutions, understanding the human mind, growing inequality, diversity issues, and changing social relationships.
In Europe and beyond, the FMG holds a leading position, thanks in part to its more than 1,300 staff members who contribute to education and research. Will you be one of them?
Read more about the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

You will be working in this team

The postdoc will join the program group “Forensic Child and Youth Care Sciences” at the Research Institute of Child Development and Education. The postdoc will be mentored by Dr. Ivy Defoe, who is the PI of the project. 

About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. Here, we explore societal and human-centered issues, driven by scientific curiosity but also with an eye for current themes. For example, the impact of media and communication on individuals and society, healthcare challenges, global urbanization, human development, the role of political institutions, understanding the human mind, growing inequality, diversity issues, and changing social relationships.
In Europe and beyond, the FMG holds a leading position, thanks in part to its more than 1,300 staff members who contribute to education and research. Will you be one of them?
Read more about the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Important to know

Your application & contact

Please feel free to send her an email if you have any questions about the vacancy:  [email protected] .

Applications in one bundled .pdf format should include:

  • a curriculum vitae;
  • a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
  • 1 example of a publication of the applicant in a peer-reviewed scientific journal (but if the applicant does not yet have such a published paper,  then an “accepted” paper that is not yet published and their master-thesis are also acceptable).

We will make an initial selection of candidates based on the above-mentioned information. These candidates will be invited to an online interview via Teams on Friday September 5th, 2025, between 9:00am and 2:30pm Central European Time (CET).  A second interview might also follow the week thereafter.  

No agencies please.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Read more

Important to know

Your application & contact

Please feel free to send her an email if you have any questions about the vacancy:  [email protected] .

Applications in one bundled .pdf format should include:

  • a curriculum vitae;
  • a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
  • 1 example of a publication of the applicant in a peer-reviewed scientific journal (but if the applicant does not yet have such a published paper,  then an “accepted” paper that is not yet published and their master-thesis are also acceptable).

We will make an initial selection of candidates based on the above-mentioned information. These candidates will be invited to an online interview via Teams on Friday September 5th, 2025, between 9:00am and 2:30pm Central European Time (CET).  A second interview might also follow the week thereafter.  

No agencies please.

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

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