Post-doc Position in Social and Personality Psychology

We are currently offering a 1-year position within the SubmitWell project, funded by the Croatian Science Foundation, under the supervision of Dr. Asmir Gračanin, Associate Professor. The starting date is December 1, 2026.

Application deadline: 8 July 2026

Project title: Submissive Behaviors: Cognitive and Physiological Mechanisms, Social Dynamics, and Psychological Well-being

Abstract

Submissive behavior (SUB) refers to a set of social defensive strategies indicating an individual is relinquishing power, status, autonomy, or control. Its function is to promote social organization by reducing conflict and fostering reconciliation. SUB can be viewed both as a transient behavior and a stable interpersonal trait. Understanding SUB is crucial for gaining insight into multiple social and well-being outcomes, such as aggression and anxiety on one hand and collaboration and life satisfaction on the other.

The main objective of this project is to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying cognitive, psychophysiological, and social mechanisms, as well as the consequences of different SUBs. We will develop and empirically test a model that:

• defines different types of SUB through functional analysis,
• identifies the causes and mechanisms underlying each type of SUB, and
• examines their consequences.

This model will be based on the interaction between warmth and competence—two major dimensions of social perception. We will first develop the model in the context of emotional crying, a form of SUB our research team has studied over the past decade. We will then extend this model to other forms of SUB that fit within the warmth-competence framework. Model development will be informed by knowledge about different types of social rank hierarchies: dominance and prestige.

The newly developed model will be tested through a series of empirical studies:

1. Experiments focusing on social cognition processes, observable behaviors, and psychophysiological concomitants of different SUBs;
2. Psychometric research examining stable individual differences in SUB;
3. Field studies within spontaneously emerging hierarchies in formal groups. Beyond advancing the basic understanding of the psychological underpinnings of SUB, this project will generate new knowledge about their implications for various aspects of psychological well-being.

The postdoctoral fellow will play a central role in the next parts of the project:

• Preparing, coordinating, and/or conducting a laboratory study based on experimental manipulation of warmth and competence, assessing its subjective, behavioral, and psychophysiological effects related to submissive and dominant behaviors.
• Conducting the analysis of self-reports, video-recorded behaviors, hormonal data, and autonomic nervous system activity measures related to submissive and dominant behaviors.
• Preparing, coordinating, and/or conducting an online study based on experimental manipulation of warmth and competence, assessing its subjective and behavioral effects related to submissive and dominant behaviors.
• Contributing to the preparation and writing of scientific manuscripts based on the conducted research.

Your profile

• Doctorate in Psychology (applicants who have completed their doctoral requirements and are awaiting PhD defense will also be considered)
• Research profile aligned with or closely related to the project theme, including research experience in at least two of the following areas: personality assessment; experimental research on emotion; experimental social psychology; psychophysiological assessment; well-being assessment
• Scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent knowledge of research methods and quantitative data analysis (R / SPSS / JASP)
• Excellent presentation skills (in English)
• High levels of social competence and conscientiousness; interest in and ambition to pursue an academic career

We offer

• A highly motivated and cooperative team working in a relaxed atmosphere
• An international network of collaborators
• Access to psychophysiological laboratory equipment
• Resources for travel and academic training activities
• The possibility of partial remote or work-from-home arrangements
• Flexibility in task planning
• Assistance with finding accommodation and getting around in Rijeka
• Salary: approximately €2,718.43 gross monthly (including pension and health insurance contributions paid through statutory deductions); approximately €1,850.00 net monthly, plus daily travel costs and a vacation allowance

The place of work

Department of Psychology, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: https://uniri.hr/en/

The position implies 5-day workweek; remote work possible upon mutual agreement.

Applicants to the call are required to submit

• signed application to the call
• curriculum vitae (CV)
• copy of an identification document
• copy of the diploma confirming the awarded academic degree of Doctor of Science in the field of Social Sciences, Psychology
• an overview of scientific, teaching, and professional activities, including a list of publications and copies (reprints) of selected papers.

Applications to the call and proof of eligibility criteria must be submitted exclusively by email to: natjecaji@ffri.uniri.hr before 8 July 2026.

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Asmir Gračanin, Associate Professor
agracanin@ffri.uniri.hr