The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to Study How Children are Affected by Economic Inequality, in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands. This is a temporary position of 0.8 FTE (30.4 hours per week) for 1 year, Vacancy 15601, with an expected starting date in early 2027 (flexible depending on availability). The vacancy closes on 10 November 2026.

Join Us! Children are growing up in an age of economic inequality. They are exposed to inequality in their neighbourhood, on social media, at school and in the news. Economic inequality has reached extreme levels worldwide, and children will bear its burden. What are the consequences of economic inequality for children’s development? At KiDLAB, we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who addresses this question. We offer a one-year position, with a possible extension: if the assessment is positive and circumstances remain unchanged, the position may be extended by up to two more years.

What are you going to do: The postdoctoral researcher will examine the consequences of growing up in a world of inequality by analysing existing intensive longitudinal data on children’s and caregivers’ experiences of inequality, and by setting up and conducting new survey, observational and/or experimental studies. Your primary tasks will be: join KiDLAB as an active team member; analyse existing complex intensive longitudinal data; set up and conduct new survey, observational and/or experimental studies; write high-quality scientific papers together with the project team; present work at national and international conferences; and review and integrate literature across disciplines on the effects of economic inequality.

What do you have to offer: We are seeking a dedicated and creative researcher to conduct fundamental interdisciplinary research on the human consequences of economic inequality during childhood. Your experience and profile: a PhD in developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, pedagogics (education sciences), sociology, economics or a related field; a demonstrated interest in research on the human consequences of economic inequality; a demonstrated interest in child development; a record of conducting and publishing high-quality research; an aptitude for academic writing and an interest in improving this skill; advanced data-analytic skills, particularly experience analysing complex intensive longitudinal data (for example, experience analysing time-series data); experience with, or an aptitude for, designing experimental studies involving children and/or caregivers; the ability to work independently, take initiative and bring projects to completion; conscientiousness, flexibility, creativity and a collaborative approach to research; and willingness and ability to develop further across all aspects of the research process. If you have not obtained your PhD yet, but you do meet the other criteria, you may apply only if you expect to obtain your PhD within the next six months.

What else do we offer you: Your salary will be between EUR 4,925 and EUR 5,425 gross per month, based on full-time employment (38 hours per week) and in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO NU), salary scale 11. There might be a possibility to increase the employment to 1.0 FTE (38 hours per week) by taking on teaching duties. The UvA also offers: 232 vacation hours; holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%; parental leave, partner leave and social engagement leave; excellent possibilities for further professional development and education; membership of KiDLAB, an interdisciplinary, international and collaborative lab; and an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

Your place at the UvA: The postdoctoral researcher will become part of KiDLAB, led by Eddie Brummelman. The lab is embedded in the Preventive Youth Care program group at the Research Institute of Child Development and Education at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG), the largest educational and research institution in the social sciences in the Netherlands, with more than 1,300 staff. For questions, contact Dr. Eddie Brummelman.

How to apply: Apply via the external University of Amsterdam careers page using the Apply button, until 10 November 2026. Your application should include a curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages). An initial selection will be made based on the curriculum vitae and letter of motivation. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given preference.