Postdoctoral Position in Psychology

University of Gothenburg

Reference number: PAR 2026/247
Host Institution: University of Gothenburg, Department of Psychology
Application Deadline: 20-04-2026
Employment Start Date: To be confirmed

About the Position

This doctoral position is part of the INTER-ACT-II project, an add-on to the EU-funded MCMA Consortium on Healthy Adaptation to Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Parenthood (HAP3).

The PhD research focuses on:

• Reducing emotional distress and preventing perinatal mental health issues (e.g., postpartum depression and anxiety) in pregnant and postpartum women
• Conducting a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) across Sweden and Belgium
• Activities include participant recruitment, online group coaching, assessments, data analysis, and scientific writing

The student will be part of the Clinical Psychology section at the Department of Psychology and will collaborate closely with the Belgian research team led by Dr. Annick Bogaerts.

Research & Training

• Conduct quantitative research, analyze outcomes, and publish scientific articles
• Participate in doctoral courses (primary thesis work is the focus; course credits expected ~60 HEC)
• May perform departmental duties up to 20% of full-time work (teaching, research assistance, administration)

Eligibility Requirements

Basic eligibility:

• Completed a second-cycle (master’s) degree
• At least 240 higher education credits (60 in second-cycle courses)

Specific eligibility:

• At least 90 HEC first-cycle courses in psychology
• At least 60 HEC second-cycle courses in psychology (15 HEC in scientific methods, 15 HEC thesis)
• Equivalent knowledge acquired abroad is acceptable
• Excellent spoken and written Swedish and English

Merits / advantages:

• Experience in clinical psychology or perinatal health
• Previous research, quantitative data analysis, and scientific writing
• Interest in stress-related and clinical psychology research

Assessment Criteria

Applicants will be assessed based on:

• Ability to complete doctoral studies
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work with pregnant women, healthcare professionals, and international researchers
• Research experience and scientific writing
• Personal motivation and suitability

Application Procedure

Apply via the University of Gothenburg recruitment portal. Required documents:

• Personal letter (motivation)
• CV, including research experience
• Copies of bachelor’s and master’s theses
• Academic transcripts and documentation of qualifications
• Contact details of references

Note: Physical presence in Sweden is required. If a residence permit is needed, it must be valid at the start of the program.

Employment & Benefits

• Employment as a doctoral student under Swedish rules (SFS 1993:100)
• Initial contracts up to 1 year, renewable up to 2 years at a time
• Maximum employment corresponds to four years full-time doctoral studies
• Salary set according to local doctoral student agreements

Contact Information

• Project contact: Anja Huizink – anja.huizink@gu.se
• Doctoral programme administrator: Ann Backlund – ann.backlund@psy.gu.se | +46 31 786 1637

Apply