Université Libre de Bruxelles - Center for Social and Cultural Psychology

Vacancy PostDoc Researcher (100%)

Project: “The Psychology of Collective Punishment: Impact on Well-Being, Conflict-Proneness, and the Role of Shared Identity in Palestinian Communities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories”

The successful applicant will be awarded a 20-month mobility grant starting on February 1st, 2026 (start date is flexible).

            Project Leadership:
            Antoine Roblain (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
Zacharia Bady (Université de Lausanne)

        

The postdoc researcher is expected to contribute to the research project and will have no teaching obligations. He/she will be expected to contribute to collective work on the project, and to present and publish individual or collective research outputs.

Short Description of the Project

This project investigates the psychological impacts of collective punishment on Palestinian communities in the occupied Palestinian territories. Collective punishment, as defined by International Humanitarian Law, has been notably employed by Israel. Despite its legal and humanitarian implications, the psychological significance of collective punishment and its effects on affected populations have been largely overlooked.

The overarching goal of this project is to develop and empirically test a model that elucidates the effects of collective punishment on targeted communities. By integrating individual and communal levels of analysis, it examines two key outcomes: well-being and conflict-proneness.

To do so, the project comprises three work packages, each designed to analyze and collect qualitative and quantitative data, including cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. This project aims to uncover the interplay between oppression and resistance, providing critical insights into the mechanisms that drive both hostility and peaceful engagement in conflict zones.

Requirements

A doctoral degree in social psychology or sociology (or a closely related field).
Mobility Rule: Candidates must not have resided in Belgium for more than two years over the last three years (a legal requirement for mobility grants) and must have obtained their doctoral degree a maximum of eight years prior to the date of appointment.
Research interest and/or expertise in migration studies.
Previous involvement in, or a strong demonstrated interest in, mixed-methods research (combining qualitative and quantitative approaches).
Good knowledge of the historical, political, and social context of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.
Fluent in English (written and oral).
Knowledge of French and/or Arabic is an asset.
Ability to work well in teams.

Employer

The position is based at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Center for Social and Cultural Psychology). We offer a working place in a multicultural, diversified, and dynamic academic environment with opportunities for professional training.

ULB is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and candidates with a migration history are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Questions regarding the Postdoc scholarship can be addressed to Prof. Antoine Roblain.

Applications should include (in one single PDF document):

A copy of the passport/ID.
A copy of university diplomas.
A letter of motivation explaining the candidate’s general interest for the project.
A full CV (including the title of your PhD thesis, a list of publications, and conference presentations).
Three representative publications.
Name, affiliation, email, and phone number of two referees who can be contacted if necessary.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 8 DECEMBER 2025

A teams or face-to-face interview may be organized.

Send Application to Antoine.Roblain@ulb.be