"Promovendus - Impact van context en psychologische factoren op behandeluitkomsten"

Are you interested in how context, expectations, and learning processes influence the effectiveness of treatments in mental health care? This four-year PhD project combines experimental research on cognitive, affective, and neurobiological mechanisms with practical research in military mental health care. You will contribute to both fundamental scientific insights and clinical applications.

The project includes two pillars: applied research, examining factors like psychological elements (e.g., prior learning experiences, patient expectations) and contextual factors (e.g., session frequency, treatment delivery methods), and developing implementable applications; and experimental research, investigating cognitive processes, affective reactions, and neurobiological mechanisms, including individual differences in treatment responses.

Requirements: A completed research master's in Psychology, Neurosciences, Health Sciences, or related field; affinity for experimental and clinical work; strong analytical skills and experience with quantitative methods; excellent English communication skills and sufficient Dutch; ability to write scientific texts; scientific curiosity and initiative; collegial and flexible work attitude.

Application process: Submit your CV and motivation letter by November 1, 2025, including your master's transcript, two references, and a sample of scientific work. Interviews will be held on November 25 and December 2.

Salary: €3108 to €3939 per month for 36 hours per week. Benefits include an end-of-year bonus, holiday allowance, and travel reimbursement.

The position is at the Expertisecentrum MGGZ, a collaboration between UMC Utrecht and the Ministry of Defense, supervised by Prof. dr. Elbert Geuze, dr. Fenne Smits, and Maj. dr. Eva de Krijger.