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 candidate Student wellbeing through student voices at the University of Groningen (UG) might just be what you are looking for!

As a PhD candidate in the Behavioural and Social Sciences, 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.

This PhD project is embedded within StudentLines, a collaborative initiative between the University of Groningen and Hanze University of Applied Sciences. StudentLines brings together student data, educational data, and stakeholder expertise to build a robust longitudinal monitoring system with societal impact. Within this context, the project focuses on developing student-centered monitoring strategies that acknowledge diverse conceptualisations of wellbeing and produce knowledge that is meaningful for students themselves

Although research on student wellbeing is proliferating, there is still limited clarity on what actually promotes wellbeing and why. Compounding this gap is the underrepresentation of students’ own voices in monitoring systems, intervention design, and institutional decision-making. Many existing practices lack standardisation, monitoring, and longitudinal evaluation, which makes it difficult to compare their effectiveness across contexts.

The project seeks to integrate multiple perspectives to:

• Identify how different student groups conceptualise wellbeing.
• Understand which experiences shape their wellbeing over time.
• Investigate how curriculum structures and teacher practices relate to wellbeing.
• Contribute to a comprehensive, student-driven wellbeing monitoring and evaluation system for the broader StudentLines programme.

The supervisory team consists of three supervisors: Dr Marjon Fokkens-Bruinsma (promotor, UG department of Teacher Training), Dr Nienke Renting (co-promotor, UG GION) and Dr Elanor Kamans (Professor of Applied Sciences, Hanze). The PhD candidate will meet regularly with the full supervisory team. The candidate will also participate in meetings with other PhD candidates within StudentLines and in the departments’ research meetings. The PhD candidate will be registered with the Graduate School of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences and with the research school ICO (Interuniversity Centre for Educational Research). Both institutes offer a broad range of courses and activities aimed at supporting your professional and academic development.

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 to build on your academic profile with the support of experienced scientists, to develop yourself into an expert in the field. This position offers the chance to further enhance your research and teaching competencies while providing ample opportunities for both professional and personal growth.