About the Position
Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is hiring a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a multidisciplinary project on technostress, emerging technologies, and their impact on consumer and user behaviour. This four-year, full-time PhD position offers an exciting opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in the fields of marketing, technology, and behavioural science within a vibrant academic environment.

The focus of this research is to investigate how emerging technologies, such as generative AI, influence technostress and coping mechanisms, and how these factors shape decision-making and behaviour in both business-to-consumer and business-to-business contexts. The goal is to develop practical insights that enhance user satisfaction and support sustained technology adoption, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Your Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Investigate key stressors, such as interface complexity and content overload, associated with emerging technologies.
• Explore proactive (e.g., onboarding tutorials) and reactive (e.g., troubleshooting support) coping mechanisms.
• Conduct rigorous quantitative and/or qualitative research to assess the impact of technostress on user behaviour.
• Develop practical recommendations to improve consumer satisfaction and technology adoption.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experts in marketing, technology, and behavioural sciences.
• Contribute to teaching activities, fostering academic growth within the U.S.E. community.

Eligibility Requirements

We are looking for a talented researcher who meets the following qualifications:

• A recently completed research Master’s degree in a relevant social science discipline (e.g., economics, marketing, management, communication, psychology). An academic Master’s degree may also suffice, provided you demonstrate strong research aptitude.
• Strong interest in digital marketing and emerging technologies such as AI, XR, and IoT.
• Proficiency in quantitative research methods (e.g., survey data, experiments, regression models) and/or qualitative methods (e.g., grounded theory, in-depth interviewing).
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a proactive and organised mindset.
• Strong English language skills (B1 level or higher) and willingness to learn Dutch if not already proficient.
• A passion for conducting innovative research leading to a PhD degree within four years.

What We Offer

• A four-year, full-time PhD position starting between April and June 2025.
• Gross monthly salary ranging from €2,901 to €3,707 (scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
• Additional benefits, including:
  • 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus.
  • Pension scheme and partially paid parental leave.
  • Flexible terms of employment, with opportunities for professional development.
  • Access to sports and cultural schemes, discounts on IT products, and more.
• Comprehensive support for academic growth through the PhD educational program at Utrecht University.
• An inclusive and collaborative environment in a faculty with a strong focus on social issues.

Application Process

The application deadline is 8 January 2025. To apply, submit the following documents via the official application portal:

• A motivation letter detailing your affinity with the research topic, research skills, and teaching preferences.
• An up-to-date CV.
• An overview of your (research) Master courses and grades.
• A published paper or your completed Master’s thesis.
• Teaching evaluations (if applicable).
• Reference letters (if available).

Selection Process

• First-round interviews are scheduled for January 2025.
• The selection process includes two rounds of interviews, with an assessment and presentation in the second round.
• The successful candidate will join U.S.E. no later than 15 June 2025.