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PhD Bayesian Methods for Network Analysis of Longitudinal Psychometric Data

  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
  • 14015
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    25-05-2025
Apply

PhD Bayesian Methods for Network Analysis of Longitudinal Psychometric Data

  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
  • 14015
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    25-05-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Join us!

The psychological literature on network modeling is growing rapidly, and Bayesian statistics offers concrete solutions to outstanding methodological problems (e.g., Marsman, & Rhemtulla, 2022). The PhD student will develop new network models for longitudinal psychological data, Bayesian methods to analyze the new models, and implement the newly developed methods in open statistical software (i.e., R, C++, and JASP). In addition, the candidate will work on eliciting meaningful prior distributions for network structures and parameters based on prior research, collaborate with substantive researchers who wish to apply the new methodology to their existing datasets, and work with the Bayesian Graphical Modeling Lab to disseminate the new methodology through review, guideline, and tutorial papers (e.g., Huth, et al., 2023; Sekulovski et al., 2024; van Doorn, et al, 2021) and workshops (e.g., the Psychological Networks Amsterdam Summer and Winter Schools).

Working at the UvA

Join us!

The psychological literature on network modeling is growing rapidly, and Bayesian statistics offers concrete solutions to outstanding methodological problems (e.g., Marsman, & Rhemtulla, 2022). The PhD student will develop new network models for longitudinal psychological data, Bayesian methods to analyze the new models, and implement the newly developed methods in open statistical software (i.e., R, C++, and JASP). In addition, the candidate will work on eliciting meaningful prior distributions for network structures and parameters based on prior research, collaborate with substantive researchers who wish to apply the new methodology to their existing datasets, and work with the Bayesian Graphical Modeling Lab to disseminate the new methodology through review, guideline, and tutorial papers (e.g., Huth, et al., 2023; Sekulovski et al., 2024; van Doorn, et al, 2021) and workshops (e.g., the Psychological Networks Amsterdam Summer and Winter Schools).

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

 

You will:

  • conduct PhD research in Bayesian methodology for network analysis (i.e., derive new models, develop Bayesian methods for their analysis, and implement these developments in software);

  • regularly present research results at (international) workshops and conferences, and publish them in international journals;

  • complete academic work leading to a PhD thesis to be defended at the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences of the University of Amsterdam with the aim of obtaining a PhD;

  • make Amsterdam (or a location within commuting distance) your primary residence for the duration of the PhD project.

What do you have to offer

 

For this position, it is essential that you have:

  • a Master's, Research Master's, or equivalent degree with specialization in psychological methods, psychometrics, statistics, or a related discipline. The degree must be completed by the start of your employment;

  • a serious interest in mathematical or computational statistics;

  • excellent verbal and written communication skills in English;

  • excellent programming skills in R;

  • excellent interpersonal and organizational skills;

  • experience with Bayesian methods.

It is also essential that you make Amsterdam (or a location within commuting distance) your primary residence for the duration of the PhD project.

It is also desirable (but not essential) that you have

  • programming experience in C, C++, or JASP;

  • experience with network- and longitudinal or time-series models;

  • experience with computational statistical methods, especially Markov chain Monte Carlo methods.

Please note that knowledge of the Dutch language is not required for this position, nor is it required for being able to live in Amsterdam.

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.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

 

You will:

  • conduct PhD research in Bayesian methodology for network analysis (i.e., derive new models, develop Bayesian methods for their analysis, and implement these developments in software);

  • regularly present research results at (international) workshops and conferences, and publish them in international journals;

  • complete academic work leading to a PhD thesis to be defended at the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences of the University of Amsterdam with the aim of obtaining a PhD;

  • make Amsterdam (or a location within commuting distance) your primary residence for the duration of the PhD project.

What do you have to offer

 

For this position, it is essential that you have:

  • a Master's, Research Master's, or equivalent degree with specialization in psychological methods, psychometrics, statistics, or a related discipline. The degree must be completed by the start of your employment;

  • a serious interest in mathematical or computational statistics;

  • excellent verbal and written communication skills in English;

  • excellent programming skills in R;

  • excellent interpersonal and organizational skills;

  • experience with Bayesian methods.

It is also essential that you make Amsterdam (or a location within commuting distance) your primary residence for the duration of the PhD project.

It is also desirable (but not essential) that you have

  • programming experience in C, C++, or JASP;

  • experience with network- and longitudinal or time-series models;

  • experience with computational statistical methods, especially Markov chain Monte Carlo methods.

Please note that knowledge of the Dutch language is not required for this position, nor is it required for being able to live in Amsterdam.

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.

Your place at the UvA

You will work in this department

The PhD project will be conducted within the Psychological Methods program group at the University of Amsterdam, which is one of the largest and most successful research centers in the field of psychological methods. Its main areas of research are network analysis, Bayesian statistics, mathematical psychology, and psychometrics. Next to developing novel research methodologies, we also actively develop psychological theories on a variety of topics, including intelligence, psychopathology, and decision making. The group has a general focus on supporting open science and has made important methodological contributions to facilitate transparent research practices in the past decade.

The Bayesian Graphical Modeling lab is embedded in the Psychological Methods program group and focuses on the intersection of network analysis, Bayesian statistics, and psychometrics. As a PhD student in this lab, you will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment led by Dr. Maarten Marsman.

The lab brings together a diverse team of researchers—including three PhD students at various stages of their projects, two postdocs, and two assistant professors—who actively collaborate on cutting-edge research, software development, and the design of educational workshops. As part of this team, you will not only pursue your own project but also benefit from close interaction and knowledge exchange with colleagues working on related topics, fostering both intellectual growth and a strong sense of community.

 

About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. Here, we explore societal and human-centered issues, driven by scientific curiosity but also with an eye for current themes. For example, the impact of media and communication on individuals and society, healthcare challenges, global urbanization, human development, the role of political institutions, understanding the human mind, growing inequality, diversity issues, and changing social relationships.
In Europe and beyond, the FMG holds a leading position, thanks in part to its more than 1,300 staff members who contribute to education and research. Will you be one of them?
Read more about the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

You will work in this department

The PhD project will be conducted within the Psychological Methods program group at the University of Amsterdam, which is one of the largest and most successful research centers in the field of psychological methods. Its main areas of research are network analysis, Bayesian statistics, mathematical psychology, and psychometrics. Next to developing novel research methodologies, we also actively develop psychological theories on a variety of topics, including intelligence, psychopathology, and decision making. The group has a general focus on supporting open science and has made important methodological contributions to facilitate transparent research practices in the past decade.

The Bayesian Graphical Modeling lab is embedded in the Psychological Methods program group and focuses on the intersection of network analysis, Bayesian statistics, and psychometrics. As a PhD student in this lab, you will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment led by Dr. Maarten Marsman.

The lab brings together a diverse team of researchers—including three PhD students at various stages of their projects, two postdocs, and two assistant professors—who actively collaborate on cutting-edge research, software development, and the design of educational workshops. As part of this team, you will not only pursue your own project but also benefit from close interaction and knowledge exchange with colleagues working on related topics, fostering both intellectual growth and a strong sense of community.

 

About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. Here, we explore societal and human-centered issues, driven by scientific curiosity but also with an eye for current themes. For example, the impact of media and communication on individuals and society, healthcare challenges, global urbanization, human development, the role of political institutions, understanding the human mind, growing inequality, diversity issues, and changing social relationships.
In Europe and beyond, the FMG holds a leading position, thanks in part to its more than 1,300 staff members who contribute to education and research. Will you be one of them?
Read more about the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Important to know

Your application & contact

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by May 25th, 2025. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in one bundled .pdf should include:

•              a curriculum vitae (max 2 pages);

•              a letter of motivation (max. 1 page);

•              a list of courses and corresponding grades from the master’s program.

If you have questions regarding this PhD position, please contact:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Read more

Important to know

Your application & contact

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by May 25th, 2025. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in one bundled .pdf should include:

•              a curriculum vitae (max 2 pages);

•              a letter of motivation (max. 1 page);

•              a list of courses and corresponding grades from the master’s program.

If you have questions regarding this PhD position, please contact:

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

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