About the opportunity
The University of Twente is offering a PhD position focused on social relationships in a sports context, group dynamics, and the flourishing of youth. As part of the stronger2gether project, the researcher will investigate the well-being of young people in sports, the role of sports professionals, and the creation of a positive pedagogical sports climate. The research is hosted by the Human Media Interaction (HMI) group within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), in collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Hanzehogeschool Groningen. The role involves transdisciplinary research, using a mix of design-oriented methods, mixed-methods evaluations, and interventions, both with and without technological components.
Salary and benefits
- Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,204 (first year) to €4,051 (fourth year).
- Full-time appointment for four years (or 0.8 FTE for five years).
- Holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Minimum of 232 leave hours for a full-time appointment of 38 hours per week (with 40 hours per week resulting in 96 additional leave hours annually).
- Free access to campus sports facilities.
- Family-friendly institute offering paid and unpaid parental leave.
- Training program as part of the Twente Graduate School.
- Flexibility to work partially from home.
Who can apply?
- Possess or soon obtain an MSc degree in sport psychology, behavioral sciences, pedagogical sciences, or a related field.
- Clear interest in and affinity with sports and interaction technology.
- Curious and analytically strong.
- Enjoy working with youth and professionals.
- Comfortable with transdisciplinary and practice-oriented scientific research.
- Strong qualities in collaborating with practice partners and co-researchers.
- Proficiency in the Dutch language (required for collaboration with target groups and social partners).
- Proficiency in English (required for scientific communication).
- Demonstrable experience in research or relevant practical context is a plus.
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of courses taken and grades, and a list of publications and references if applicable.
- Motivation letter (maximum 2 A4 pages) emphasizing specific interest, qualifications, and motivations for the position.
When to apply
- Apply before Wednesday, September 9, 2026 (Note: The structured data lists the deadline as 2026-09-08).
How to apply
- Submit your application via the "Apply now" button on the official vacancy page.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- MSc graduates in sport psychology, behavioral sciences, or pedagogical sciences.
- Researchers interested in the intersection of social dynamics, youth well-being, and technology.
- Individuals with strong Dutch language proficiency, which is required for this role.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires proficiency in Dutch, which is essential for working with target groups and social partners.
- The position is hybrid, offering some flexibility, but you will need to be based within a reasonable distance of the University of Twente.
- You will be working in a transdisciplinary team, which requires strong collaboration skills across different scientific and practical domains.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This PhD position is a great goal for someone looking to build a career in applied social science. It offers the chance to contribute to the stronger2gether project, allowing you to develop expertise in mixed-methods research while directly impacting the pedagogical climate in sports for youth.
Our take
This is a highly suitable position for Dutch-speaking researchers passionate about youth development and sports. Those who do not speak Dutch will not be able to fulfill the requirements of this role.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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