In this project, you will take a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research. An evidence based social media campaign will be developed, tested and implemented to enhance the uptake of youth into care. We will use focus groups, co-creation workshops, experiments and a campaign implementation phase. In each subproject, we work closely with people with lived experience in the roles of advisors, co-creators, discussion partners, informants and implementation partners. The proposed project group brings together Dutch scholars in the field of persuasive communication (Eva van Reijmersdal and Hilde Voorveld) as well as renowned international scholars specialized in communication about gambling harms (Agnes Nairn and Raffaello Rossi), Hands, the organization that is currently in charge of the Loket Kansspel (thé platform of the Dutch Gambling Authority through which all people in the Netherlands experiencing gambling harms are to be informed about gambling harms, but also where they can find help), as well as people with lived experience (including copywriter Martijn de Vreeze).

You will:

• Manage the project, including scheduling meetings with the supervisors, societal partners, preparing agendas, and documenting meetings and research activities;

• Design and prepare the studies (e.g. prepare focus groups, co-creation workshops in which campaign materials will be developed together with young people; design experimental material, set up a field experiment in the form of a social media campaign)

• Collect and analyze data for the studies (e.g., recruit participants for focus groups, co-creation workshops and experiments, and analyze data from qualitative and experimental studies);

• Write academic articles for publication in high-impact scientific journals, and present findings at (inter)national conferences;

• Organize activities facilitating the societal impact of the project, e.g. focused on young people who experience gambling harms, on professionals in the field, on policy makers.

• Contribute to the ASCoR research community by participating in workshops, meetings, and lectures;

You have:

• A(n) (almost completed) PhD in Communication Science, Marketing, or Psychology;

• A clear research interest in the topic of the project;

• Excellent empirical research skills using social scientific methods, preferably both qualitative (focus groups and co-creation) and quantitative (experiments).

• Scientific creativity and productivity, as demonstrated in some recent publications in international peer-reviewed journals and peer-reviewed conferences;

• Preferably some experience with organizing meetings like stakeholder events or symposia.

• An excellent written and spoken command of English, and preferably also of Dutch. We have a strong preference for a Dutch speaking candidate given that data collection and impact & outreach activities take place in Dutch;

You are able to:

• Show curiosity in exploring insights from various disciplines and a readiness to learn new skills and methods as the project evolves, adapting to challenges with resilience and creativity;

• Maintain a proactive attitude, be open to feedback, and pay attention to detail;

• Manage your own time effectively and work independently while collaborating well within a team;

• Keep a cool head and stay organized when juggling multiple tasks;

• Show strong interpersonal skills for building contact with external stakeholders and research participants

• Communicate research findings clearly to both academic and non-academic audiences.

• Be passionate about contributing to the project and about making a societal impact

The planned starting date for this project is between September and December 2025. The position concerns temporary employment for a maximum term of 45 month years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring any changes in circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of 33 months. The position is for 80% (0.8fte) meaning 30,4 hours a week, but a smaller position shared with another post doc is also possible. You will have the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international events. For this position, the University Job Classification profile “Researcher” applies.

What else do we offer

• A position in which initiative and input are highly valued;

• A position centered on your growth, with ample opportunities for scholarly and professional development;

• A supervision team with the goal to supervise and advice the postdoc in their work and professional development through regular team meetings;

• An enthusiastic and warm department that is open to new colleagues;

• While frequent presence at the office is valued in terms of cohesion and team building, we offer the opportunity to work hybrid for max. 2 days per week (i.e. to work from home from time to time).