The University of Groningen invites applications for a temporary (3 year) lecturer/researcher position in Environmental Psychology. You will work in a dynamic and enthusiastic research group with a key interest in the human dimension of sustainable development.

Environmental Psychology at the University of Groningen has a national and international reputation for excellence. Research within the Environmental Psychology group focuses on a wide range of topics, including individual and situational factors influencing environmental and prosocial behaviour (such as household energy use, waste handling, car use), effective ways to promote sustainable behaviour, the acceptability of energy sources and energy systems, and the effects of sustainable behaviour on wellbeing. The research has the explicit aim of both contributing to theory development and practice. The research is embedded in the research program Interpersonal Behaviour, as well as in two of the focus areas of the University of Groningen: Energy and Sustainable Society (see www.rug.nl/research/priorities/). The Environmental Psychology group collaborates with scholars from different disciplines within and outside the University of Groningen, on a national as well as international level, as well as with governments, NGOs, and various business organisations (such as energy companies).

You will work on the joint research project ‘Beijing Groningen Smart energy cities (BIGS)’, funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) Joint Scientific Thematic Research Programme (JSTP). You will work in an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with researchers from the Distributed Systems group of the RUG (prof Aiello, see www.cs.rug.nl/ds/), and researchers from the Institute of Industrial Economics of the Chinese Institute of Social Sciences (CASS) in China. The aim of BIGS is to develop and test an interdisciplinary framework that employs innovative and smart technologies to understand and promote sustainable use of energy and aid effective energy-related decisions by end-users. The framework will be tested in the cities of Groningen and Beijing (China), which reflect diverse economic, institutional and economic factors. Based on the results of the research, you will formulate and propose general policies or regulations tailored for specific regions to promote sustainable energy use. You will use various methodologies and research methods, including questionnaire studies, experimental studies, and field experiments. You will publish the results of your studies in international scientific journals as well as policy briefs, and present your studies at international conferences. You will teach in the bachelor and master programmes in Psychology. You will be a member of the Social Psychology Group, and your research will be embedded in the Research Program Interpersonal Behaviour and in the Energy Academy Europe.

 

Requirements

The successful candidate is a starting scholar with a PhD in Psychology who has experience in environmental psychology research and teaching, and has a key interest in studying the psychological dimensions of smart grids in an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural setting.

We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:
• a PhD degree in a relevant field of Psychology, preferably with a special focus on Environmental Psychology
• a relevant publication record demonstrating your ability to publish international academic publications, preferably in top tier peer-reviewed journals
• experience with theory driven research with a clear eye for the practical implications
• a clear interest in collaborative interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research
• the ability to communicate verbally and in written form in English and Dutch (or willingness to learn Dutch)
• innovative, independent and enterprising
• a team player with good communication skills.

 

Conditions of employment

The University of Groningen offers a minimum salary of € 3,324 to a of maximum € 4,551 gross per month (salary scale 11 CAO Dutch Universities) for a full time position (38 hours per week). This temporary position lasts 3 years.

Secondary benefits, based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities are excellent in general and include e.g. a pension scheme, flexible employment conditions, and salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.

Intended starting date is as soon as possible.

The job interviews are scheduled at 23 March 2015. Candidates can be asked to give a presentation.

Your application should include your motivation, curriculum vitae, and contact information of at least two academic references.You can apply for this position by sending in the application form before 18 March 2015 Dutch local time by means of the application form (click on “Apply” below on the advertisement on the university website).

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Contract type: 36

 

Organisation

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RuG)

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

 

Department

Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 30,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is an international place of knowledge.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences is a centre of knowledge focusing on individuals and society. The faculty studies issues relating to human behaviour, and the relationships between people and society as a whole. This includes the study of how people function under normal circumstances, but also of the problems encountered by individuals or groups, and how these can be resolved or prevented. The Department of Psychology is part of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, and offers bachelor’s and master’s programmes in both Dutch and English to over 3000 students.

 

Additional information

Prof Linda Steg,+ 31 50 3636482 / +31 50 3636386
e.m.steg@rug.nl

Short link www.academictransfer.com/26749