Postdoc on activism and mental health
Join the ERC-funded project “Strategic Care in Activism: Mental Health Across Scales of Social Change” (Care2Act) exploring activism and mental health. Working at the intersection of psychology and sociology, you will explore how individuals and communities maintain well-being while engaging in collective action.
Your job
The project investigates social movements at different scales (local, identity-based, and climate-related) and uses innovative qualitative and participatory methods to study how care, strategy, and collective action interact in times of societal crisis. You will join a vibrant academic community and benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across social psychology, sociology, and public health. You will work under the supervision of Dr. Anna Zhelnina, principal investigator of the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant project Care2Act and Assistant Professor in Interdisciplinary Social Science at Utrecht University.
You will lead one or more empirical case studies, focusing on activist initiatives in the Netherlands or Germany. We welcome candidates with interest in specific movements (e.g., local, identity-based, climate) and will collaboratively determine case study fit based on your expertise, language skills, and project needs. Together with the team, you will develop the qualitative research instruments, conduct fieldwork and participatory workshops with activist communities. You will also contribute to the project’s theoretical development. In addition to empirical fieldwork, you will contribute to conceptual publications and may co-author theoretical papers with the PI and team. Postdocs are also encouraged to develop their own publication plans within the project scope.
The Care2Act Project description: The current overlapping crises - political polarization, the climate, and security fears - present challenges for mental health and well-being. Engaging in collective action is one way to cope, but research shows it can also be exhausting and increase sensitivity to these problems and injustices. But activism can also foster empowerment and solidarity. Decades of research have provided insights into factors affecting mental health outcomes for activists. However, the traditional linear approach—focused on relationships between factors and outcomes—often fails to capture the mechanisms and dynamic processes that shape outcomes during engagement. Integrating psychological and sociological perspectives, Care2Act will apply a novel interactionist approach to activism and mental health, employing the concept of strategic care to highlight the dual task of regulating personal well-being while caring for the world.
Care2Act asks: Which combinations of situations and processes during civic engagement at different problem scales contribute to varying mental health and well-being outcomes, and what strategies do individuals and communities employ to regulate their mental health and well-being? Using a multi-level comparative approach and innovative methods such as participatory Ripple Effects Mapping, Care2Act will analyse:
- situations, mechanisms, and actors affecting mental health;
- individual and community strategies for regulating well-being while engaging in this often tedious work;
- the transformation of strategic care across different phases of engagement; and
- the role of the magnitude of the social problem in shaping mental health outcomes.
Care2Act will offer tools for interdisciplinary research that can inform studies on public health interventions, political participation more broadly, and the social integration of marginalised groups. It could also have societal impact by providing activists with tools to integrate mental health awareness into their strategies.
Your qualities
- You hold a doctoral degree in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, social psychology or related disciplines. Exceptional candidates expected to obtain their doctoral degree by September 2026 will be considered, but preference will be given to candidates who have already completed their doctorate.
- You demonstrate interest in and knowledge about social movement and/or mental health research domains.
- You are confident with qualitative research methods (in-depth interviews, observation, group discussions). Familiarity with participatory methods is an asset.
- You have a track record appropriate to the stage of their career, and an obvious curiosity and enthusiasm for academic research.
- You are capable of conducting original research independently as well as working in a team.
- You are proficient in English (C2 level). Knowledge of other languages (Dutch, Russian, German in particular) is preferable, especially for fieldwork purposes.
Our offer
- A position for one year, with possibility to extend with two more years;
- a working week of 28 - 32 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,546 and €5,538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
- 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
- a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
About us
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues. The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.
More information
For more information about this position, please contact Anna Zhelnina
at a.zhelnina@uu.nl.
Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal
.
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
Apply now
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, please send the following documents via the ‘apply now’ button:
- a motivation letter (max 2 pages), explaining your interest in the project and how your background fits the position. Please state which case studies you are most interested in researching and what are your cultural/linguistic capacities for doing so (e.g. research in the Netherlands, Germany, or other countries; local, identity-based, or climate movements);
- your curriculum vitae;
- the contact information of two references who can be contacted for shortlisted candidates (including e-mail; phone number, and relationship to the applicant).
The first round of interviews takes place in the third week of March.
The application deadline is 27 February 2026.
