PhD in Social Psychology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands

Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE & IS) has several BSc and MSc programs are placed in two separate schools. School of Science Innovation focuses on the development and use of new technologies in the context of the broader society. Multi-disciplinary research, based on fundamental scientific insights and methods. The main areas of interest are development economics and sociology of technology, continuous innovation policy, technology, human interaction, and the history and philosophy of technology.

School is seeking applications for a PhD position in social psychology. The research project "Warm Light, Positive Affect and sociality: The Social Psychology of Lighting" was conducted in the research group Human-Technology Interaction. The research was funded by and conducted in collaboration with Philips Lighting and embedded in the TU / e Intelligent Lighting Institute (ILI).

Human-Technology Interaction (HTI) group of the School of Innovation Sciences has been recognized internationally for perception research, and establishing itself as a major center of research excellence in human technology interaction. The group is concentrating on both the social sciences and engineering, studied the technology in the service of human welfare, in the broader context of a society that is socially and ecologically sustainable.

Project description
Global research objective of this project is to develop a systematic characterization and description, affective cognitive, physiological and behavioral effects of light in order to provide the industry with the knowledge to design new light interventions that enhance human functioning and well-being.

This empirical investigation aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms through which different light settings (eg, light intensity and color temperature) can be used to enable the association with physical and social warmth, increasing pro-social behavior and cooperation, and examine the circumstances in which the effect This most likely occurs in a workplace setting.

Through a combination of fundamental laboratory-based experiments and research in the (simulated) workplace setting, the candidate will investigate how the color temperature and light intensity can affect the performance of duty and pro-social behavior. By simultaneously focusing on psychological and physiological mechanisms underlying this study provide insights should be easily translated to applications in the home setting or hospitality industry.

Requirements
We are looking for a talented researcher with a master's degree completed or near-completion in social psychology or human-technology interaction. Candidates must have a strong interest in basic research, advanced statistical skills, and proven affinity for and experience with experimental research in social psychology and / or embodied cognition. In addition, he must have a strong sense to take the perspective of applied and translate research findings for practical applications. Knowledge of lighting and perceptions that are very desirable.

The successful candidate is able to show strong interest in psychological research, creative and proactive, have verbal communication skills are very good as well as written, and work well in (multidisciplinary) teams.

Appointment and salary
We offer:

challenging work in a dynamic and ambitious University;
full-time job as a PhD candidate for a period of 4 years;
gross salary is in the range € 28.850 - € 36.450 per year (full time), including 8% holiday allowance and end the year 8.3% of the allowances;
extensive benefits package (including an excellent technical infrastructure, child care, moving expenses, savings schemes, the scope of the dissertation publishing costs and excellent sports facilities);

Achieving a PhD at the Eindhoven University of Technology provides you with excellent career opportunities.

Information
For further practical information please contact: Ms. Caren van Overdijk, IE & IS personnel adviser, (pz.ieis @ tue.nl).
Requests for detailed project descriptions and other questions concerning the academic content of the project should be directed to Dr. Ir Y.A.W de Kort, or dr. Daniel Lakens yawdkort@tue.nl, d.lakens @ tue.nl).

PhD Warm Light Affect, Positive and sociality: The Social Psychology of Lighting
Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences
Off Date: 31/12/2011
Reference number: V39.1396

For more information, please visit the official site: jobs.tue.nl