Postdoc NWO project Gender ratios and power dynamics in mixed-gender teams

The Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen (RUG) has a vacancy for:

Postdoctoral researcher on the project “Using agent-based modelling to understand gender ratios and power dynamics in work teams” (2 years, 1.0 fte)

General Description
A fully funded position for a postdoctoral researcher is available at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen (Netherlands). The position is funded by the NWO grant “Gender ratios and power dynamics in mixed-gender teams: Implications for gender inequality in organizations” awarded to prof. Bernard Nijstad (University of Groningen) and prof. Mark van Vugt (Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam).

This project will be supervised by prof. Bernard Nijstad (Organizational Behavior), dr. Francesca Giardini (Sociology), prof. Charlotte Hemelrijk (Biology; all: University of Groningen), and prof. Mark van Vugt (psychology, VU Amsterdam). The project is part of a larger project, which also includes two PhD students (one in Groningen, one in Amsterdam).

The Research Project
The proposed research project examines how power dynamics in mixed-gender work teams (human) are affected by factors such as gender ratio (proportion of men and women), leadership schemas, and level of competitiveness. These dynamics might affect the relative opportunities of men and women to make promotion in an organization. In three subprojects we study (1) the basic dynamics of the processes of claiming and granting influence and power in a controlled laboratory setting; (2) these processes in organizational settings using observational, survey and archival data; and (3) the dynamics of claiming-granting processes in agent-based models. Together, these projects will lead to a better understanding of how influence hierarchies emerge in teams with varying gender compositions, and what consequences this may eventually have for gender equality in organizations.

The current vacancy is for a postdoctoral researcher who is skilled in agent based modelling of social systems, and will work on project 3. Two PhD students have already started in 2023, and work on projects 1 and 2.

Organisation
About the University of Groningen
Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the approximately 34,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

About the Faculty of Economics and Business
The Faculty of Economics and Business has an inspiring study and working environment for students and employees. International accreditation enables the Faculty to assess performance against the highest international standards. It also creates an exciting environment of continuous improvement. FEB's programmes, academic staff and research do well on various excellence ranking lists.

We are looking for someone who:

• has a PhD degree in a relevant area of research, such as biology, sociology, psychology, computational science, artificial intelligence or business administration
• has demonstrable knowledge of and experience in agent-based modelling of complex social systems, and can independently design, program and study these models
• is interested in issues of gender equality, social dynamics, and hierarchy/power
• has experience in publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed high-quality journals in English
• has a demonstrable talent for academic research, as shown by publications and conference presentations
• is able to start the position in 2024.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a contract for two years (1.0 FTE) depending on a positive evaluation after one year
• a salary of € 4,332 (salary scale 11 level 0) for a fulltime position
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance, as well as participation in a pension scheme for employees. For employees moving to The Netherlands, a fiscal facility pertaining to extraterritorial costs, the 30% facility, may be applicable if the rules of Dutch tax law permit this. Finally, a fulltime position will entitle you to 328 hours of leave per year.

Starting date: 2024 (preferably the first half of 2024)