Postdoc: ESM studies in youth

Job description

As Postdoctoral Researcher (1.0 FTE), you will engage in interdisciplinary research across multiple projects using the experience sampling method (ESM)/ecological momentary assessments (EMA). Your work will focus on the design and evaluation of ESM/EMA protocols, with early identification and prevention of anxiety and mood problems among children and adolescents as primary goal.   

These studies are conducted across a variety of high-risk populations, including adolescents with chronic illnesses, youth at familial high risk for severe mental illness and youth exposed to environmental risks. You will work within large, collaborative research consortia, which offer extensive opportunities for knowledge exchange and academic collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design and Analysis of ESM Studies: You will co-lead the conceptualization and operationalization of experience sampling method studies, including the collection, integration, and analysis of high-dimensional real-time data. You will employ advanced statistical and methodological techniques for data analysis, ensuring the application of cutting-edge, reproducible research practices.
2. Data Coordination and Lead Analysis: As the primary coordinator of incoming datasets, you will oversee the processing, organization, and quality assurance of large-scale momentary assessment data streams. You will be responsible for leading the analysis of complex datasets, utilizing advanced computational techniques such as machine learning, time-series analysis, and multilevel modeling.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Supervision: In this role, you will collaborate closely with multiple stakeholders across various large-scale research projects at Erasmus MC and within national research consortia, fostering interdisciplinary synergy. You will also have a mentoring role for PhD students, providing methodological guidance and overseeing their data analysis tasks.

Work environment

The Erasmus MC stands for a healthy population and excellence in healthcare. By conducting groundbreaking work, we aim to push boundaries through leading the way in research, education and healthcare. We have a high level of expertise, and work hard to improve and renew the healthcare of today and the public health of tomorrow. We have access to the latest equipment and techniques in a state-of-the-art environment.

You will be employed by Erasmus MC Rotterdam. The department where you will work is the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology department of the Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital. The department has approximately 200 employees and is the only independent university with a child and adolescent psychiatric department in the Netherlands with its own research lines and professors, located in a children's hospital.  The department is constantly developing and focuses on internationally recognized scientific research. This combined with high-quality university patient care in the university medical center and offering various training opportunities.

Qualifications and skills

We seek a highly motivated candidate with the ability to thrive in dynamic, research-intensive environments. You should be able to autonomously design, execute, and analyze complex studies, showing intellectual creativity and methodological rigor in addressing research questions. You should also possess the ability to quickly acquire new technical skills and adapt to evolving research innovations. Proficiency in Dutch is highly recommended.

Specific Requirements:

• A PhD in Health Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences, Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, or a closely related field with a focus on advanced research methodologies.
• Extensive experience in the design, coordination, and execution of ESM studies, with a solid grasp of experimental design principles.
• Proficiency in the application of state-of-the-art statistical and computational techniques for the analysis of large, complex datasets (e.g., longitudinal, multivariate, multilevel, machine learning).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a capacity to engage effectively with stakeholders from various academic and clinical backgrounds.
• Familiarity with high-risk populations (e.g., adolescents with chronic conditions, familial high risk, or exposure to environmental risks) is advantageous.

Language Proficiency:

• Proficiency in Dutch is recommended for the role due to the nature of interactions within the organization.
• Excellent written and spoken English is required for academic and collaborative purposes.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 2,5 years till 30-09-3027.
• The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of € 4.187,- and and a maximum of € 5.010,- (scale 10).
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as a incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. M.H.J. Hillegers, head of the department Kinder- en jeugdpsychiatrie, 010 703 62 13.

No agencies please.