Your background

For this cutting-edge, multidisciplinary project we are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate with a background in social sciences with a strong quantitative component (e.g., psychological methods, cognitive science) or with a background in exact sciences with an affinity for social science applications (e.g., artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, statistics).

Other requirements include:

• A (nearly) completed (research) master’s thesis in a relevant area,
• Advanced programming skills in R,
• Research skills and data analytical abilities,
• Team work, project management and organization skills,
• Good communication skills in English, including academic writing,
• Interest in providing small-scale education, such as teaching working groups or bachelor thesis supervision.

Our offer

Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment:

• A position based on 1.0 fte (40 hours per week).
• A salary of minimum €3.059 and maximum €3.881gross per month for full-time employment, based on UFO profile PhD and salary scale PhD. Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant work experience.
• This is a vacancy for for a PhD in accordance with Article 2.3 paragraph 8 sub b CLA DU. You will initially be given a temporary contract for the duration of 12 months.
• Vacation pay of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Over 8 weeks of vacation leave.
• The opportunity to work partly on campus and partly from home with a home office allowance of €2 per day.
• Reimbursement for sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport.
• A monthly internet allowance of €25.
• An options model in which you exchange benefits for things such as additional leave, more pension, a bicycle or personal training at our Sports Center.
• A moving allowance (subject to conditions).
• Employees from abroad may be eligible for a tax-free allowance for extraterritorial expenses equal to 30% of taxable salary.
• A pension with ABP; the largest Dutch pension fund.
• Training in personal development, career development, leadership, education, and research. Or a language course at our Language Center.
• A work culture in which we embrace differences, everyone is welcome and given equal opportunities.
• A vibrant campus in green surroundings that is easily accessible by public transport.

For more information, see our Working at Tilburg University | Tilburg University and the CLA Dutch Universities.

You will receive notification from us shortly after the letter selection. The first selection interviews will take place shortly after the deadline has ended.

The selection committee consists of:

1. Prof. Dr. Ir. Joris Mulder
2. Dr. Udo Böhm
3. Dr. Sophie Hendrikse

The project is planned to start on September 1st, 2026. We can slightly deviate from this starting date if needed.

Would you like to know more before applying? Feel free to contact Joris Mulder via j.mulder3@tilburguniversity.edu.

We kindly invite you to apply before June 30, 2026; this can only be done online. Address your cover letter to Prof. Dr. Joris Mulder. Your application should include:

1. Letter of motivation, including research area/topics of interest
2. Curriculum vitae
3. List of grades (transcripts)
4. A sample of your academic writing (e.g. bachelor/master thesis, paper). If you are currently working on your master thesis, feel free to submit your thesis draft.