The CoCoSys Lab at Leiden University is looking for a research assistant to help get new experimental projects on social tipping points and collective climate action off the ground.
Large-scale changes in behavior are crucial for responding to climate change, and rely on social norms rapidly shifting towards sustainability. Such social tipping points are typically recognized only in hindsight, limiting our ability to predict and guide them. In this project, we explore if we can anticipate social tipping points in group dynamics.
Description
The research assistant will be actively involved in:
- programming, testing and documenting behavioral tasks;
- collecting on-site data for both individual and group decision-making tasks;
- preparing ethics applications and study protocols;
- participating and contributing to lab meetings of the CoCoSys lab.
Your profile
This position may be a good fit if you:
- have completed, or are currently doing, a (research) MSc in cognitive or social psychology, computer science, (behavioral) data science, environmental science or a related field
- work independently and proactively, while knowing when to ask for help;
- enjoy solving unfamiliar technical and practical problems;
- are organised and document your code, decisions and progress carefully;
- are interested in psychology and ideally also in sustainability, social norms or collective behaviour;
- value open, ethical and reproducible science.
- speak English at a professional level. Dutch can be practical for data collection, but not required.
We are primarily looking for someone with strong experimental skills who enjoys turning research ideas into data. Prior experience in psychology or sustainability research is helpful, but not essential. Potential, curiosity and an open attitude to research are more important than a perfect CV.
What’s in it for you?
- be part of a small, collegial and English-speaking research group. We like asking hard questions, making things work and exploring new ideas across disciplinary boundaries, and encourage you to develop your own interests within our research focus;
- gain practical experience in conducting behavioral experiments, and (if desired) also build skills in data analysis and visualization;
- learn what it’s like to do real scientific research, which can be an ideal stepping stone to a PhD program.
Practical details
The position is based in Leiden, The Netherlands. The salary scale will be discussed and depends on expertise. The position would ideally start in early 2027, but earlier or later start dates can be discussed. The position can be part-time to full-time (ideally at least 2 days/week), with the exact number of hours and the duration to be discussed.
You can read more about our vision and ways of working in the CoCoSys Lab wiki. You will work under the supervision of Dr. Magdalena Sabat and Dr. Anne Urai.
Applying
If this sounds like you, apply by emailing your CV, including contact information of at least two people who can provide a reference, and a motivation letter to: cocosys@fsw.leidenuniv.nl. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
