Research Assistant

Sport Society; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 39,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

8% holiday pay

8.3% year-end bonus

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Utrecht University in the Netherlands invites applications for a research associate role in the I-Heal project. The 0.75 FTE position (8 months) focuses on qualitative studies with men in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, exploring AI chatbot use in mental health support.

You will recruit participants, conduct interviews, and help organise mapping workshops in Rotterdam. Strong background in qualitative methods, excellent English and Dutch, and the ability to work independently within a

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in human geography or related field.
• Experience conducting qualitative research, including semi-structured interviews.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Dutch.

Responsibilities

• Recruit participants and conduct semi-structured interviews with men using AI chatbots for mental health support.
• Contribute to two creative mapping workshops in Rotterdam.
• Transcribe and analyse interview and workshop data.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and project partners.
• Contribute to policy-oriented reports and academic publications.

Skills

Qualitative research experience

Interpersonal communication

Interviewing skills

Dutch language proficiency

English language proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in human geography, sociology, social sciences, gender studies

Job description

Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences Department: Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning Hours per week: 28 to 32 Application deadline: 1 October 2026

How are AI chatbots changing the ways men seek and experience mental health support? In this I-Heal project, you will investigate this question through qualitative research with men living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Rotterdam.

I-Heal examines how AI chatbots become embedded within everyday care and support networks, particularly where access to formal or informal support is unavailable, delayed, or avoided. The project combines semi-structured interviews with creative mapping workshops to understand how AI interacts with relationships with family, friends, community organisations and healthcare services.

Working closely with the Principal Investigator, you will:

• Recruit men who use AI chatbots for mental health support through social media, community organisations, mental health services and local networks.
• Conduct semi-structured interviews, exploring participants’ experiences of mental health support, their use of AI chatbots, and their engagement with other sources of care.
• Contribute to the preparation and delivery of two creative mapping workshops in Rotterdam.
• Transcribe and analyse qualitative interview and workshop data.
• Contribute to research outputs, including a policy-oriented report and academic publication.
• Work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator and project partners.

The research involves sensitive conversations about mental health and distress. You will receive training and close supervision in conducting research using a trauma-informed approach. Clear safeguarding procedures will be in place, and you will not be expected to provide mental health support to participants.

This is an opportunity to develop substantial experience in qualitative and participatory research while contributing to an emerging research agenda at the intersection of AI, mental health, gender, care and urban inequality. The role is idea for someone who has recently completed a master’s or research master’s and is looking for academic research experience.

What we expect from you

You have:

• A master’s degree in human geography, sociology, social sciences, gender studies, or a related discipline.
• Experience conducting qualitative research, preferably including semi-structured interviews.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build rapport with research participants.
• The ability to work sensitively and professionally when discussing potentially distressing or personal experiences.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Dutch.

It would be an advantage if you have:

• Experience working with sensitive or potentially distressing research topics.
• Experience with participatory, creative or visual research methods.
• An interest in AI, mental health, gender, care, inequality and/or urban research.
• Knowledge of Rotterdam or experience working with community organisations.
• Experience with qualitative data analysis.

Our offer

We offer:

• a position 0.75 FTE for 8 months.
• a gross monthly salary between € 3.537 and € 4.051 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 8.0 - 8.3 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 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 .

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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.

Interviews are expected to take place in mid-October and the role will is expected to begin Jan-Mach 2027.