PhD position History of Testing (1.0 FTE) (V25.0164)

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 History of Testing at the University of Groningen (UG) might just be what you are looking for!

As a PhD candidate in the history of testing, 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.

You will carry out the project “Changing testing regimes: Looping effects and situated knowledge in psychological and educational testing in the twentieth century”. This research project examines the so-called looping effect, which is the interaction between psychological and educational tests and the classified individual, who adapts their behavior based on the assigned classification. The individual’s behavior, in turn, affects the classification.

The research project will address the history of testing in several cases during the twentieth century. This may include cases such as the Binet-Herderschêe test, used to assess intellectual disability, and the PMT-K test, designed to predict academic success among first-year students. Of particular interest is the evolution of test culture practices over time and the ways in which these practices reflect transnational test cultures.

The basis for this project will be the historical collection of the ADNG Heritage Center of the Dutch Behavioural Sciences, based at the University of Groningen. This collection provides a rich corpus for investigating looping effects, and understanding how they are situated in the relevant social, educational and historical contexts over time.

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 Pedagogical and Educational Sciences 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/

The basic unit Pedagogy is part of the department of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences. The unit contributes to a wide range of courses on bachelor and master level, including the master track Ethics of Education. The unit hosts two research units: Education in Culture, and Youth Studies. The candidate is expected to actively participate in the former unit.

Education in Culture is an international hub for research in the theory and history of education, whose members examine education from the vantage point of educational sciences, history, literary studies, and religious studies. Consequently, the group provides an unusual opportunity for researchers with an interest in international and global perspectives on education. It provides an active research environment with regular research meetings, and recurrent international workshops and summer schools. For more information, see https://www.rug.nl/(…)ducation-in-culture/

The research unit organizes together with the theory and history of psychology group both the Dutch Centre in the Theory and History of Education and Psychology (DEEP) and the ADNG Heritage Center of the Dutch Behavioural Sciences. The ADNG hosted the largest historical collection of psychological and educational tests in The Netherlands.

For this position, we are looking for someone who

• Has a Research Master or Master’s degree in the field of history (history of science and/or history of knowledge), theory and history of education or psychology, philosophy, or a related field.
• Is enthusiastic about writing international publications and a dissertation.
• Has a good command of the Dutch and English languages.
• Is able to work with archival sources in the Dutch language.
• Possesses good academic writing, social and communication skills and is willing to collaborate with other team members.
• Is enthusiastic about translating scientific insights into practical guidelines and advice.
• Possesses good organisational skills and perseverance.
• Demonstrates competencies such as conceptual ability, presentation, planning, and monitoring progress.
• Is generally proactive and autonomous but is also able to communicate when they need help or guidance.

Does this sound like your dream job? In that case, we cannot wait to meet you. Apply quickly and who knows, you might become our new PhD candidate. You can send your application letter with curriculum vitae until 30 March 11:59pm / before 31 March 2025 Dutch local time (CEST) by means of the application form (click on “Apply” below on the advertisement on the university website).

Selection interviews will take place at Monday 14 April 2025.