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PhD candidate in Psychology
uu.nl - Utrecht - 02-08-2022
Naar vacature
Faculteit of dienst:
Faculteit Sociale Wetenschappen
Afdeling:
Afd. Ontwikkelingspsychologie
Uiterlijk reageren op:
19 juni 2023
Functie
This PhD project, funded by a NWO Open Competition grant awarded to Prof. Jaap Denissen, will be conducted at the Department of Psychology, Section of Developmental Psychology of Utrecht University. The proposed research aims to unravel the effects of negative life events on psychological functioning by improved description, explanation, and generalization. Using data from large and representative panel studies (e.g., the LISS panel), we will examine novel ways to describe nonlinear change in psychological functioning, by using sophisticated statistical methods that can take prior information into account. Furthermore, we will use event-triggered measurement bursts of plausible mediators (e.g., need satisfaction; re-alignment of shattered worldviews) to elucidate the mechanisms of change.The main responsibilities of the PhD candidate will be to co-design and conduct scientific research to address the research questions (e.g., set up appropriate statistical models to analyze longitudinal data). The PhD will help to develop Gaussian Process models and GAM techniques, which are machine learning techniques for learning nonlinear trajectories. Furthermore, the candidate will become involved in longitudinal data collection of psychological mediators that can explain the effects of life events on psychological functioning.The PhD candidate will be supported in writing press releases based on the publications and write about the results on popular blog sites (e.g., Psychology Today).
(Tilburg University) will be the second promotor of the PhD trajectory. He has an extensive experience with Bayesian statistical methods in general, and in the field of Gaussian process methods in particular. The PhD also has the option to stay for 3 months at Prof. Luhmann’s lab at Bochum University.
Profiel
We are looking for a dedicated candidate interested in the statistical and psychological analysis of developmental patterns surrounding major life transitions. The candidate must thrive in a collaborative environment that also asks for autonomy, and hold a proactive, mastery-oriented approach to one’s learning process. Research experience (e.g., in the context of a master thesis or research internship) in the field of analyzing the effects of life events or other contextual variables on developmental patterns is not required, but would be a plus.The PhD will benefit from courses from the Utrecht University graduate school, which also involve advanced statistical courses.Requirements:
- master’s degree in psychology, pedagogics, mathematics/statistics/machine learning, or an associated field;
- excellent mastering of research methods and statistical methods;
- strong proactive, collaborative, and creative working approach;
- flexibility, strong social and organizational skills;
- ability to work in a team while maintaining autonomy;
- excellent writing and presentation skills.
Aanbod
You will be offered a temporary position (1.0 FTE), initially for one year with an extension to a total of 4.5 years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. During the total period of 4.5 years 20% of the time will be spend on teaching. The gross salary ranges between €2,541 in the first year and €3,247 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent
, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model) to support a good work-life balance of our employees. For more information, please visit
.
Over de organisatie
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Sustainability.
is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in the fields of youth, education, upbringing, human behavior and society. The Undergraduate and Graduate School provide nearly 6,000 students with a wide range of Bachelor's programs and (research) Master's degrees in the disciplines of general social sciences, cultural anthropology, educational theory, pedagogy, psychology and sociology. The faculty is located at
near the historical city centre of Utrecht.
The faculty strives for diversity among its employees and students and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, as can be read in Utrecht University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.
The faculty attaches great importance to the fact that its employees can be widely deployed in the university organization, now and in the future, to further professionalize the support of education and research. To encourage this, every employee is given the time and facilities – for example in the form of
- at some point in their career to participate in projects or work in other departments. Characteristics that the faculty considers important are involvement, the ability to collaborate and flexibility.
Aanvullende informatie
The candidate will be part of the Child and Adolescent Studies research school, which offers ample opportunity for additional training and professional growth. Interviews will be held in the first week of July and the preferred starting date is in the Fall of 2023.For more information about this position, please contact
by email:
Solliciteren
Everyone deserves to feel atat our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, and (if possible) a copy of a master’s thesis or similar research report via the ‘apply’ button.
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