PhD candidate implementation of school-based social safety intervention programs

Universiteit-Utrecht; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Utrecht University seeks a PhD candidate to conduct mixed-methods research on the implementation and effectiveness of school-based interventions aimed at promoting social safety. You will set up, analyze, and disseminate results of the project, collaborating with schools, program developers, and policy makers.

The role combines meta-analysis, quantitative analysis of longitudinal datasets, and qualitative interviews, requiring a completed master’s degree in educational sciences, pedagogy, or

Qualifications

• Completed master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Affinity with quantitative and qualitative research and statistics.
• Strong written and spoken English and Dutch.
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate with diverse partners.

Responsibilities

• Set up, analyze, and disseminate results of the project.
• Conduct meta-analysis and analyze longitudinal datasets across programs.
• Conduct interviews with developers, school leaders, teachers, and students for qualitative insights.

Skills

Quantitative research

Qualitative research

Dutch-English fluency

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Master’s degree in educational sciences / pedagogy / developmental psychology

Tools

R

SPSS

NVivo

Job description

PhD candidate implementation of school-based social safety intervention programs

Faculty: Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences Department: Education & Pedagogy Hours per week: 36 to 40 Application deadline: 31 August 2026

Are you interested in research aimed at improving school-based interventions, and do you want to bridge the gap between research and practice? We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research into the factors influencing the implementation and effectiveness of school-based interventions focused on social safety, and to disseminate this knowledge through societal partners. Increasing knowledge regarding optimal implementation can enhance the effectiveness of such programs, a matter of great importance for students, teachers, and schools.

The department of Clinical Child and Family Studies has a vacancy for a PhD candidate. In the position of PhD candidate you are responsible for setting up, analyzing, and disseminating results of the project: “Implementation and effectiveness of school-based interventions aimed at promoting social safety”. Effectiveness studies often only look at outcomes, while the way a program is implemented determines its success. This research project will fill this knowledge gap and provides insights directly useful to schools, program developers, and policy makers. The PhD project consists of three parts:

• Meta-analysis: You will map the existing literature and investigate the role of implementation in the effectiveness of school-based intervention programs.
• Quantitative research: You will analyze existing datasets from several socio-emotional school-based programs in the Netherlands, originating from ongoing collaborations. You will identify which implementation factors are associated with program effectiveness.
• Qualitative research: You will validate and further refine these factors through interviews with program developers, school leaders, teachers, and students in schools where these programs are implemented.
• You hold a completed (research) master’s degree in a field such as educational sciences, pedagogy, (developmental) psychology, or a relevant field;
• You have affinity with, and preferably experience in quantitative research, including the statistical analysis of (longitudinal) datasets as well as an interest in qualitative research, such as conducting and analyzing interviews;
• You have affinity with the education sector and interest in (school-based) intervention programs;
• You have strong written and verbal communication skills in both Dutch and English, given collaboration with schools and colleagues on one hand and academic publishing on the other;
• You enjoy working as part of a team, demonstrating this by being open to collaboration with various partners, including program developers, schools, and fellow researchers, and by contributing to a collegial and open work environment.

Furthermore your suitability is ideally exemplified by:

• Independence and initiative, combined with the ability to work well within a team;
• An precise and structured way of working, needed to manage multiple datasets and research phases simultaneously;
• Strong communication skills, allowing you to move easily between the academic world and educational practice;
• Flexibility and versatility, allowing you to switch between the various methods of this PhD project.

Our offer

• a position for 1 year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a fulltime gross monthly salary between €3,204 in the first year and €4,051 in the fourth year of employment in scale P of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities;
• 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. AtUtrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards majorstrategic 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.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

As Utrecht University, we want to be ahome 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.

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. OurInternational Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands asinternational 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 theDutch Mobility Portal.

The first round of interviews takes place inthe week of 7-11 September.

An assessment is part of the procedure.

The latest possible start date is Thursday, 1 October 2026.

The application deadline is 31 August 2026.