"Postdoc IC-YOU Project: Improving communication with young people (0.8 FTE)"

Job Summary

One in three youths aged 12 to 25 experiences emotional problems such as depression and anxiety. This project investigates how conversations with trusted adults can contribute to youth well-being or potentially be harmful. The role involves a three-year postdoc project tracking youths in their daily lives to determine when and why sharing feelings is beneficial or not.

Responsibilities

Research how conversations with trusted adults impact youth well-being, focusing on dynamics in daily life. Distinguish positive effects, such as feeling seen and heard, from risks like co-rumination and reduced self-efficacy. Use methods like Experience Sampling Method (ESM) and daily diaries to analyze for whom, when, and why conversations help or harm. Proactively set up data collection by recruiting youths and schools. Analyze data for innovative scientific output, write and present at a high academic level. Collaborate with researchers and partners like De Kindertelefoon and MIND Us. Dedicate 10% of time to teaching in the Pedagogical Sciences program at Erasmus University Rotterdam, such as supervising theses or leading workshops in Dutch.

Qualifications and Requirements

Hold or nearly hold a PhD in behavioral, social, or health sciences (e.g., developmental psychology, pedagogy, clinical psychology, communication science). Proficient in Dutch at a professional level and English at an academic level. Experience or affinity with intensive longitudinal designs like ESM or diary studies. Expertise in youth mental health. Strong statistical skills, including independent execution of complex analyses like multilevel modeling and dynamic structural equation modeling in software such as R or Mplus. Competencies include working independently and in teams, managing projects, engaging participants, handling intensive data collection periods flexibly, driven by curiosity, committed to societal impact, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for teaching.

What the Employer Offers

A contract for 1 year, extendable to 2 years upon satisfactory performance, at 0.8 FTE. Starting salary of €4,537 to €6,209 gross per month for a full-time position (38 hours), based on the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Benefits include work-life balance options like remote work, 41 vacation days for a 40-hour week, 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and discounts on sports facilities. A sustainable, inclusive work environment with opportunities for development, pension contributions, insurance discounts, and support for relocation and dual careers.