Postdoc position investigating social (dis)connections and generative AI

Welcome to Maastricht University!
We are seeking an ERC-funded postdoc researcher to examine social connections and disconnections in the context of generative AI (GenAI). How might GenAI reshape inclusion and exclusion experiences? Does GenAI help people cope with loneliness and social exclusion? Who turns to GenAI for social companionship, and why? Together, we will explore these questions.

Postdoc position in social (dis)connections and generative AI Vacancy title

Our goal: We are seeking a highly motivated postdoc researcher in social (dis)connections and generative AI. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to an ERC-funded project on social exclusion and loneliness in real-life settings. In the age of generative AI, people can, for the first time in history, turn to something other than another person for conversation and social support. This project examines how generative AI is reshaping everyday experiences of social inclusion, exclusion, and loneliness across diverse social domains, including work, social relationships, family life, and community contexts. To address these questions, we will use experimental methods, longitudinal survey designs, and ecological momentary assessments.

Your colleagues: You will be a member of the Causality in Psychology lab https://sites.google.com/view/dren/lab, and be supervised by dr. Dongning Ren. You will be embedded in the department of Work & Social Psychology (https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/work-and-social-psychology), consisting of a collegial, welcoming, and enthusiastic team of scholars in social psychology, health psychology, public health, behavioral interventions, and organization science.

What you do

•    Refining research questions and developing research proposals related to social (dis)connections and generative AI.
•    Collecting and analysing quantitative data. 
•    Lead the preparation and submission of research manuscripts.
•    Coauthoring manuscripts with the ERC project team including the PI and a PhD candidate.  
•    A 10% teaching component, which may involve tutoring bachelor or master’s courses and supervising bachelor’s or master’s theses depending on departmental needs.
•    Assisting with project coordination and results dissemination.

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.

What you bring
We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

•    A doctoral degree in (social) psychology or a closely related field.  
•    Strong quantitative skills and proficient in R.
•    Evidence of excellent research skills (e.g., journal publications)
•    Expertise related to social psychology, social (dis)connection, and/or GenAI.
•    Independent, proactive, and collaborative
•    Effective communication skills in English; Dutch skills are valued but not required.

What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

• A 12-month contract (1,0 fte) with the prospect of a 1 year extension.
• A gross monthly salary between €3546,00 and €5538,00 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.

About the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN)
At FPN, we share a curiosity about the human brain and behaviour. Together with our students, we explore how our brains function and learn why we do what we do. We connect perspectives and contribute to living together in society.

Interested?

Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Dr. Dongning Ren (dongning.ren@maastrichtuniversity.nl; https://sites.google.com/view/dren). Apply by 26 June 2026.
•    Please upload a CV, a one-page motivation letter, academic transcripts/records, and contact information of two referees. 
•    Virtual interviews will take place soon after the closing date. 
•    Start date: As soon as possible

Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.