PhD Imperfect Justice: Trade-offs & Conflict Resolution Perceptions (1.0 FTE)

Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of science? Are you looking for a PhD position in which you can turn your curiosity into concrete research results and a dissertation? In that case, the position of PhD on “Imperfect Justice in Conflict Resolution” at the departments of Organizational and Social Psychology at the University of Groningen (UG) might just be what you are looking for!

As a PhD candidate in Organizational and Social Psychology, you will have the opportunity to develop your own insights, collect data, and share your findings with both scientific colleagues and partners from professional practice worldwide. Under the guidance of a supervisor and together with a motivated team, you will work on meaningful solutions and contribute to the future of your field.

During your PhD will work on the project “Imperfect Justice: Trade-offs & Perceptions of Conflict Resolution”.
Conflict is a natural part of human societies, making strong justice systems essential to maintaining cooperation and stability. Justice helps resolve disputes, discourage wrongdoing, and uphold social norms. While justice can be achieved through fair and consistent processes, real-world situations often challenge this ideal. Decision-makers frequently face "imperfect justice," where achieving the best possible outcome means compromising traditional fairness principles. Imperfect justice occurs when ideals like punishment or deterrence conflict with values like safety and stability. For example, post-conflict societies may grant amnesty to ensure peace, while organizations might sidestep rules to act on uncertain allegations. These decisions aim for the "least unfair" outcome but can leave conflicts unresolved and parties.

As a PhD candidate, you will investigate imperfect justice across societal, organizational, and relational contexts. Across different quantitative research projects, you will address conflicts requiring justice intervention, where justice for one party may entail perceived injustice for another. Research will encompass the perspectives of victims, perpetrators, and third-party observers. You will be supervised by M. Graso, C. Kitz, and C. Martinez.

Why would you want to apply for this position?

1. To make an impact: in this role, you will directly contribute to scientific insights that address societal issues. Your research will not only translate into publications, but also into concrete solutions, ensuring a tangible impact.
2. Personal development: you will have the opportunity, with the support of experienced scientists, to develop yourself into an expert. This combination of research and teaching offers plenty of opportunities for professional and personal growth.

As a PhD candidate, you will perform the following duties

- You will conduct research that results in a dissertation and is consistent with the goals and requirements of the project.
- You will organise and conduct data collection for the subprojects.
- You will publish research results in international scientific journals.
- You will present the research to a wide audience of both domestic and international fellow scientists and partners from the professional field.
- You will collaborate with fellow scientists in the larger project.
- You will contribute to a limited number of teaching activities in the psychology department, such as working groups and guest lectures.

This is where you will be working
The University of Groningen ranks among the top European universities and is internationally oriented. The university is socially engaged and actively involved in its environment. In a wide range of disciplines, researchers and teachers practice their disciplines out of scientific passion. Everyone is empowered to do their best. The talents, ambitions and performance of the 34,000 students and 6,500 employees of the UG are stimulated as much as possible.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences is strong in research and teaching on human behaviour, thinking, learning, and coexistence. We work on social issues and problems that people experience in everyday life. Individual and societal resilience and how to increase it are central to our work. We focus on the topics of migration, environment and climate, health, parenting and education, the protection of vulnerable minorities, and sustainable partnerships. Over 650 employees work at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences.

More information about the faculty can be found at the link https://www.rug.nl/gmw/

As a PhD candidate, you will be part of the Organizational Psychology group, where you will explore how human behavior shapes workplace dynamics. Our research applies psychological insights to enhance both employee well-being and organizational performance. However, you will also be strongly encouraged to engage with the activities in the Social Psychology group, where we examine, among other topics, the cognitive and emotional basis of conflict across interpersonal and intergroup interactions. Hence, you will be an active contributor to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.