Key Skills

Job Description

Tilburg University | Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher on attention and technology use (full-time, 2.5 years) Department: Social Psychology Hybrid or on site: Tilburg Contract size: 1,0 fte (40 hours per week) Full-time gross monthly salary: €4.925 – €5.264 Contract duration: 30 months Intended start date: March 1, 2027 Project description Matti Vuorre’s research group at Tilburg University is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join a project funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant. We study human attention and how it relates to digital technology use by answering questions such as: Do digital technologies, or the ways in which people use them, shape how we pay attention? Do differences in attention play a role in how we use technology? Can we influence people’s attentional abilities or dynamics, or their attitudes about attention, by changing how they use technology? To what extent are self-report measures indicative of attentional abilities in the context of technology use? We tackle these and other related questions through multiple approaches, including Cognitive psychology experiments and surveys, both in-person and online, to measure a broad range of attentional abilities, behaviors, and attitudes, such as sustained attention and how individuals feel they are able to focus in their daily lives Digital trace data and methods, to analyse accurate high-resolution measures of digital technology use, such as temporal patterns of device and app use Intervention and longitudinal studies, to examine the dynamics of and causal effects between technology use and attention We aim to clarify how technologies can impact our cognitive faculties, but also how we could best conceptualize and study attention in the context of digital technology use. Your position The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to this project through designing, executing, and communicating the results of quantitative research projects in collaboration with Matti Vuorre. These projects may involve theoretical, experimental, modeling (of primary or secondary data), or causal inference approaches to studying relations between, and dynamics of, attention and digital technology use. The applicant will lead their own studies, but is also expected to collaborate within the project and advise more junior team members. Specifically, responsibilities include: Designing and running theoretically informative studies involving experiments, surveys, longitudinal data collection, and digital trace data Conducting theoretically informative and reproducible data analyses Preparing high-quality scholarly manuscripts Presenting in group meetings and at scientific conferences Managing own academic and research activities Contributing to the project through teamwork, advising junior team members, and developing new research ideas Implementing open & collaborative practices such as data curation, version control, transparency, and reproducibility Your profile We are looking for a highly motivated and curious scholar who possesses relevant expertise in (the theory & methods of) cognitive and experimental psychology, statistical modeling, and causal inference or computational modeling. Candidates must possess a PhD, and ideally have an academic background in an area related to cognitive psychology. We are looking for candidates who have (and are motivated to further develop): A strong interest in conducting interdisciplinary research on attention and how it may relate to digital technology use Demonstrated abilities in conducting theoretically relevant quantitative research to a high standard Demonstrated research skills relating to experimental design, computational / statistical / mathematical modeling, causal inference, or digital trace data Advanced programming skills related to data science and statistics Project management and organization skills Proficiency in English at an academic level (CEFR 2), including strong writing skills Our offer Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment: Employment of 1,0 fte (40 hours per week). Salary between €4.925 and €5.264 gross per month for full-time employment (UFO-profile Researcher 3, salary scale 11 step 0-2). Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant work experience. This is a vacancy for a temporary position in accordance with Article 2.3 paragraph 5 sub b CLA DU. You will be given a temporary contract for the duration of 12 months. If your performance is satisfactory, you will receive a 18-month contract extension. Vacation pay of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Over 8 weeks of vacation leave. Hybrid working with home working allowance (€2 p/day) and internet allowance (€25 p/month). Reimbursement sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport. Options model for additional leave, pension, a bicycle or personal training. Moving allowance (subject to conditions). 30% rule for international employees (if applicable). Pension through ABP. Ample training offer: personal development, leadership, education, research or language courses. Inclusive work culture: everyone welcome, equal opportunities. A green, inviting campus that’s easily accessible by public transport. For more information, please see our website and the CLA Dutch Universities. Want to know more? Would you like to know more before applying? Feel free to contact Matti Vuorre at [email protected]. Want to apply? We kindly invite you to apply before January 10, 2027; this can only be done online. Applicants should send the following information through the link mentioned below: CV a max two-page motivation letter (addressed to Matti Vuorre) that includes a proposed research project a description of how you fit this role contact details of 2 references We look forward to your response. Application selection will take place following January 11 2027. You will be notified as soon as possible thereafter. Selection interviews will take place January 18 – 22, with the possibility of a second round of reviews in the following week. You will ideally start working for Tilburg University on or shortly after March 1, 2027. This vacancy has been published simultaneously internally and externally. In case of equal suitability, our preference is for an internal candidate. Are you an internal candidate and would you like to know more about applying for an internal position? Please check the intranet for the relevant conditions: Internal vacancies and job applications | Tilburg University About Tilburg University Tilburg University is the university in the humanities and social sciences. Ever since our foundation in 1927, we have been committed to a just, inclusive, and sustainable society. With leading research and inspiring education, we contribute to the interpretation and, where possible, solutions to current societal issues, from climate change to digitalization Our community is personal, engaged, and small-scale. On our green, compact, and vibrant campus there is room for encounter, collaboration, reflection, and personal growth. Read more about Tilburg University. Working at Tilburg University means working in an inclusive team with attractive employment conditions. At Tilburg University, you will receive ample opportunities to strengthen your talents and develop your career, in a warm working atmosphere where we attach great importance to the following values: curious, connected, caring, and courageous. About the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB) Our education and research focus on human behavior in a changing society. At the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB), we want to understand how people function as individuals, in relationships, in organizations, and in society. We aim to reinforce adaptability, mental resilience, and a grip on health and well-being. At TSB, researchers increasingly work in interdisciplinary teams that combine the strengths of all the social science disciplines to answer research questions. They also work with citizens, professionals, policy makers, administrators, and entrepreneurs to study and solve current social problems. Lecturers at TSB contribute to the design and implementation of degree programs in digital social sciences that provide students with the opportunity to take courses from a wide range of disciplines. Read more about the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. About the Department of Social Psychology The Department of Social Psychology is home to a dedicated team of researchers and educators. Research topics in the department range from the psychology of digitalization to diversity, economic psychology, emotions and well-being, and decision making. The department is equipped with high-quality research facilities, including a lab with 24 separate research cubicles, group rooms, eye-tracking equipment, thermal-imaging cameras, and more. The Department of Social Psychology also organizes a regular colloquium where guest speakers present their latest psychological research.

Core Responsibilities

Design, conduct, analyze, and communicate quantitative research on attention and digital technology use, including experimental, survey, longitudinal, digital-trace, modeling, and causal-inference studies. Lead independent studies, prepare scholarly manuscripts, present findings, manage research activities, and collaborate with and advise junior team members using open and reproducible practices.

Requirements

A PhD is required, ideally with an academic background related to cognitive psychology, and candidates should have expertise in relevant theory and methods, including quantitative research and statistical modeling. Applicants should demonstrate research skills in experimental design, modeling, causal inference, or digital trace data, advanced programming for data science and statistics, project organization, and academic-level English proficiency.

Benefits

• Vacation Pay
• Year-End Bonus
• Over Eight Weeks Of Vacation Leave
• Hybrid Working
• Home Working Allowance
• Internet Allowance
• Sustainable Commuting Reimbursement
• Additional Leave Options
• Pension
• Bicycle Option
• Personal Training Option
• Moving Allowance
• 30% Tax Ruling For Eligible International Employees
• Training And Professional Development
• Inclusive Work Culture