Postdoctoral Researcher to Study Children Affected Economic Inequality

Children are growing up in an age of economic inequality. They are exposed to inequality in their neighborhoods, at school, and on social media. Yet, little is known about how economic inequality affects children’s development. With this KiDLAB project, we investigate the developmental consequences of economic inequality. This position is part of Generation Hope, a project funded by a Mercator Sapiens Stimulus (KHMW).

The postdoctoral researcher will examine the consequences of growing up in a world of inequality by analyzing existing intensive longitudinal data and conducting new studies. How do children perceive and explain economic inequality? How are these perceptions and explanations shaped by parents, and how accurate are they? What are the consequences of actual and perceived economic inequality for children’s mental health, social relationships, civic engagement, and egalitarianism?

And how do these consequences differ between countries?

In the first year, the candidate will analyze existing intensive longitudinal data on children’s and parents’ experiences of economic inequality. In the second and third year, the candidate will design and conduct new survey, observational, and/or experimental studies on children’s and parents’ experiences of economic inequality. Also, the candidate will explore setting up survey research across different countries to examine cross-cultural differences.

The expected starting date is early 2027. This date is flexible depending on the availability of the candidate, so the position may start a few months earlier or later.

Your primary tasks will be:

• Join KiDLAB as an active team member;
• Analyze existing complex intensive longitudinal data;
• Set up and conduct new survey, observational, and/or experimental studies;
• Write high-quality scientific papers together with the project team;
• Present work at national and international conferences;
• Review and integrate literature across disciplines on the effects of economic inequality.

We are seeking a dedicated and creative researcher to conduct fundamental interdisciplinary research on economic inequality. The successful candidate should be able to work autonomously in a collaborative environment. They should bring creativity, persistence, and strong organizational skills, as well as the ability to bring manuscripts to completion.

Your experience and profile

• A PhD in developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, pedagogics, sociology, economics, public health, educational sciences, or a related discipline*;
• A demonstrated interest in research on the human consequences of economic inequality;
• A demonstrated interest in child development;
• A record of conducting and publishing high-quality research;
• An aptitude for academic writing and an interesting in improving this skill;
• Advanced data-analytic skills, particularly experience analyzing complex intensive longitudinal data;
• Experience with, or an aptitude for, designing experimental studies involving children and/or caregivers;
• The ability to work independently, take initiative, and bring projects to completion;
• Conscientiousness, flexibility, creativity, and a collaborative approach to research;
• Willingness and ability to develop further across all aspects of the research process.

* If you haven’t obtained your PhD yet, but you do meet the other criteria, you may apply only if you will hand in your dissertation within the next three months and will obtain your PhD within the next six months after the closing of this call.

The position concerns temporary employment of 0.8fte (30.4 hours per week) for 1 year.

Your salary will be between € 4.925 t/m € 5.425 gross per month, based…