PhD Candidate Clinical Psychology: Identification with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescence

Are you passionate about psychological research, specifically in the field of Clinical or Developmental Psychology? The Clinical Psychology program group of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam is seeking a highly motivated and versatile PhD Candidate for a mixed methods project about non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).

As around 20% of community adolescents have engaged in NSSI, with numbers rising to a staggering 60% in clinical populations, the need for effective (secondary) prevention in this age group is clear. Our project focuses on informing and enhancing prevention practices by investigating the complexities surrounding implicit and explicit identification with NSSI. Through a combination of qualitative, quantitative, and experimental research methods, we aim to understand why and how some individuals self-identify with NSSI (‘I, self-injurer’) and which role this phenomenon plays in the prognosis and the impact of prevention efforts. Join our team to contribute to an improved understanding of NSSI and play a key role in shaping effective prevention strategies.

What are you going to do

This project is part of the ‘Identification with NSSI’ research initiative, funded by a UvA Starter Grant (PI: dr. T. Buelens). As a PhD Candidate on the project, you will explore the literature on (identification with) non-suicidal self-injury in adolescence and young adulthood. You will design and manage three interrelated data collection projects utilizing various methodological approaches, including qualitative, quantitative, and experimental research. The objective is to gain comprehensive understanding of the ways some individuals identify with their self-injurious behaviours and what subsequent implications for prognosis could be.

You will/tasks

• Review and synthesize relevant academic literature;
• Design, manage, and analyse quantitative and qualitative data collection projects;
• Report findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, in practice/policy oriented outlets and at (inter)national conferences;
• Teach and supervise students within the Clinical Psychology Program

What do you have to offer

The ideal candidate will thrive taking on a leading role in a mixed methods data collection project. This involves overseeing a longitudinal quantitative research initiative with community adolescents/young adults and clinical populations, conducting qualitative research on lived experience of NSSI, and managing an experimental study using IAT paradigms. The candidate demonstrates strong organizational skills and effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, and (adolescent/young adult) patients. They work independently as well as in close collaboration with supervisors and third parties to produce high quality scientific research output. They are curious and eager to acquire new skills in clinical psychology research as well as resilient to the challenges that come with novel methodological approaches. They are sensitive about working with patients and passionate about disseminating research findings.

Your experience and profile

• Master’s degree in Psychology, with a preference for Clinical/Developmental or highly related specializations;
• Strong statistical and methodological knowledge or aptitude;
• Strong organizational and communication skills;
• Proficiency in oral and written (academic) English. Candidates who are fluent in Dutch as well will be given special consideration;
• Demonstrated clinical affinity with the topic of interest and/or experience with both qualitative and quantitative research would be assets.

What can we offer you

The position concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week for a maximum term of 4.5 years, and will include a 16% teaching load. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of 43 months, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. We will put together a curriculum which will also include the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international events.

For this position the University Job Classification profile PhD Candidate (Promovendus) applies. While the preferred starting date is as soon as possible, we are open to discuss alternative start dates.

Your salary will be €2.541 gross per month in the first year and will increase to €3.247 in the final year, based on full-time employment and in keeping with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities . We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

• a position in which initiative and input are highly valued
• an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

About the faculty

A challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organization. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Tinne Buelens , Assistant Professor Clinical Psychology, [email protected] , T: +31 643450201

Job application

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 29 January 2024. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in one bundled .pdf should include:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a letter of motivation;
• a peer-reviewed publication or master thesis;
• contact information for two professional references.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

These regulations contain more information about the procedure for recruiting, selecting and redeploying staff and applicants at the University of Amsterdam.

No agencies please.

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