Jan-Willem van Prooijen

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is advertising two postdoctoral positions and one PhD position in research on social psychology, political psychology, radicalization, extremism, hate speech, polarization, criminology, and data science . The first postdoc is a 2-year position in the PROCLAIM Horizon2020 Consortium , focused on the effects of covert hate speech on polarization and radicalization. The role involves experimental and longitudinal research, literature review, study design, data collection and analysis, conference presentations, and publication. The post is linked to the Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology at VU Amsterdam and involves working with Prof. Jan-Willem van Prooijen and the broader consortium. The second postdoc is a 3-year position on Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) groups , an interdisciplinary project at the intersection of criminology, psychology, and data science . The project investigates radical online groups, their behavior, and their social media activity using sophisticated quantitative methods and large-scale data analysis. The team includes Prof. Jan-Willem van Prooijen , Prof. Arjan Blokland , and Dr. Elanie Rodermond , with links to the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR). The PhD position is a 4-year funded appointment on the same NVE project. It combines quantitative analysis of large social media datasets with qualitative analysis , and includes writing and defending a PhD thesis at VU Amsterdam. The PhD candidate will also participate in teaching activities within the Graduate School and the Kurt Lewin Institute. Eligibility highlights: postdoc applicants should have a PhD (or be near completion) in social psychology, criminology, psychology, data science, or a related field, plus strong statistics/data science skills and excellent English. PhD applicants should have a (Research) Master’s degree in a relevant field, strong quantitative skills, and openness to mixed methods. Across roles, the team values collaboration, communication, and experience with social media data. Funding: all roles are salaried university appointments. The postdoc salary range is €3,546–€5,538 gross/month ; the PhD salary range is €3,059–€3,881 gross/month . The postdoc contracts are initially 1 year and may be extended subject to evaluation. Deadlines: the PROCLAIM postdoc deadline is 20 August 2026 ; the NVE postdoc and PhD deadline is 24 August 2026 . Applicants are asked to apply via the university’s application platform, not by email.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is recruiting for postdoctoral and PhD opportunities connected to research on social psychology , political psychology , radicalization , extremism , hate speech , polarization , criminology , data science , and statistics . Postdoc 1 (2 years) : This position is part of the Horizon2020 PROCLAIM consortium and focuses on the effects of covert hate speech on political polarization and radicalization. The work involves experimental and longitudinal research, literature review, study design, data collection, analysis, conference presentations, and publication. Applicants should have a PhD in social psychology or a closely related field, strong quantitative skills, experience with open science practices, and excellent English. Postdoc 2 (3 years) : This role is funded by an NWO open competition proposal and investigates Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) groups . The project is interdisciplinary, combining criminology, psychology, and data science, and uses large-scale social media data. The postdoc will map literature, develop research ideas, analyze and curate data, present findings, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Applicants should have a PhD in criminology, psychology, data science, or a related field, with strong statistics/data science skills and experience analyzing large volumes of social media data. PhD student (4 years) : This position is also on the NVE project and uses a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data science techniques with qualitative analyses. The PhD candidate will work with Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Arjan Blokland, and Elanie Rodermond, complete a thesis, and defend it at VU Amsterdam. Applicants should have a research master in a relevant field, strong quantitative methods and statistics, and an interest in extremism, radicalization, and terrorism. Funding and conditions : The postdoc salary is listed at €3546–€5538 gross per month (full-time), and the PhD salary at €3059–€3881 gross per month . All positions are fixed-term and initially for 1 year, with possible extension depending on evaluation. The targeted start date is 1 January 2027 or earlier/later by arrangement. Deadline : The application deadline is 24 August 2026 for the NVE postdoc and PhD positions; the covert hate speech postdoc deadline is 20 August 2026 . How to apply : Apply via the AcademicTransfer portal using the vacancy links. Prepare the requested documents, including a personal statement and CV where applicable. Applications by email will not be considered, and early applications are encouraged.