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Are you interested in adaptive cognition and behavior in stressful environments? The Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology (EPB) at IBED is looking for a skilled, responsible, and organized PhD researcher to develop mathematical models of adaptive cognition and behavior in stressful environments. These models will inform experimental research on human cognition.
PhD position in Mathematical Modeling of Adaptive Cognition in Stressful Environments
- Faculty of Science
- 15009
- Master's
- €3,059 - €3,881
- Closes on01-06-2026
Are you interested in adaptive cognition and behavior in stressful environments? The Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology (EPB) at IBED is looking for a skilled, responsible, and organized PhD researcher to develop mathematical models of adaptive cognition and behavior in stressful environments. These models will inform experimental research on human cognition.
PhD position in Mathematical Modeling of Adaptive Cognition in Stressful Environments
- Faculty of Science
- 15009
- Master's
- €3,059 - €3,881
- Closes on01-06-2026
Working at the UvA
About the position
We invite applications for a PhD position in the field of cognition in stressful environments. This position is part of a research project named “Cognition in stressful environments: An integrative approach” (CONTENTMATTERS), funded by an NWO Vici grant.
The PhD position will be embedded in the Developmental Evolutionary Ecological Psychology (DEEP) lab (PI: Willem Frankenhuis) at the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands). You will collaborate with postdoctoral researchers working on the NWO Vici project. You will develop mathematical models of adaptive cognition and behavior in stressful environments, as described next.
Our world is experiencing very rapid social, ecological, and technological changes that affect every person’s ability to set long-term goals, make plans, monitor progress, and adjust to varying demands and priorities. Such cognitive abilities, which support goal-directed thought and action, are referred to as ‘executive functions’. Although the scientific literature is rife with claims about which levels of executive functioning are biologically adaptive in particular environmental conditions (i.e. increase survival and reproduction), this question has not been mathematically modeled. The current PhD project involves mathematically modeling three executive functions that are central to education, employment, relationships, and health: attention shifting, working memory updating, and inhibition. The PhD will develop novel (theoretical) mathematical models to understand the adaptive benefits and costs of these abilities, depending on environmental stressors: threat, deprivation, and unpredictability. These models will inform experimental research on human cognition.
The primary tasks of this PhD will be (1) to develop novel (theoretical, not statistical) mathematical models of adaptive cognition and behavior in stressful environments; (2) to ensure these models can inform theoretical predictions for empirical testing in humans; and (3) to be a kind, constructive, and reliable participant in departmental and DEEP lab meetings. The PhD will have opportunities to be involved in daily supervision of BSc and MSc students working on the CONTENTMATTERS project.
Working at the UvA
About the position
We invite applications for a PhD position in the field of cognition in stressful environments. This position is part of a research project named “Cognition in stressful environments: An integrative approach” (CONTENTMATTERS), funded by an NWO Vici grant.
The PhD position will be embedded in the Developmental Evolutionary Ecological Psychology (DEEP) lab (PI: Willem Frankenhuis) at the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands). You will collaborate with postdoctoral researchers working on the NWO Vici project. You will develop mathematical models of adaptive cognition and behavior in stressful environments, as described next.
Our world is experiencing very rapid social, ecological, and technological changes that affect every person’s ability to set long-term goals, make plans, monitor progress, and adjust to varying demands and priorities. Such cognitive abilities, which support goal-directed thought and action, are referred to as ‘executive functions’. Although the scientific literature is rife with claims about which levels of executive functioning are biologically adaptive in particular environmental conditions (i.e. increase survival and reproduction), this question has not been mathematically modeled. The current PhD project involves mathematically modeling three executive functions that are central to education, employment, relationships, and health: attention shifting, working memory updating, and inhibition. The PhD will develop novel (theoretical) mathematical models to understand the adaptive benefits and costs of these abilities, depending on environmental stressors: threat, deprivation, and unpredictability. These models will inform experimental research on human cognition.
The primary tasks of this PhD will be (1) to develop novel (theoretical, not statistical) mathematical models of adaptive cognition and behavior in stressful environments; (2) to ensure these models can inform theoretical predictions for empirical testing in humans; and (3) to be a kind, constructive, and reliable participant in departmental and DEEP lab meetings. The PhD will have opportunities to be involved in daily supervision of BSc and MSc students working on the CONTENTMATTERS project.
All about this vacancy
What are you going to do?
Tasks and responsibilities:
- You will develop novel mathematical models of adaptive cognition and behavior;
- You will ensure these models inform theoretical predictions for empirical testing in humans;
- You will explain your mathematical models in an accessible manner to a broad audience by creating science communication resources for non-modelers, including the general public;
- You will be a kind, constructive, and reliable member of the department and the DEEP lab.
Your profile
Your experience and profile:
The ideal candidate will have:
- A MSc in biology, psychology, cognitive science, or an adjacent field (e.g. computer sciences);
- A strong academic track record (e.g. a high-quality MSc thesis, good grades for relevant courses);
- Experience in mathematical modeling of adaptive cognition or behavior (e.g. optimality theory);
- Advanced computational or programming skills (Matlab, Python, C++, R, or other languages);
- A commitment to transparent research practices (e.g. sharing code, scripts, and/or data);
- The ability to participate in an interdisciplinary and international research environment;
- The interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate in team work;
- A proactive and goal-directed work approach and excellent organizational skills;
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
Candidates who only partially meet this profile are nonetheless strongly encouraged to apply.
Our offer
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended to the total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students. For this position the University Job Classification profile “Promovendus” (PhD candidate) applies. Your salary will be €3,059 gross per month in the first year and will increase to €3,881 in the final year, based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week. In addition, you will receive a 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance.
A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
- 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
- multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
- a complete educational program for PhD students;
- multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
- multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
- 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
- partly paid parental leave;
- the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
- a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
- the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
- help with registration at UvA- Housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.
All about this vacancy
What are you going to do?
Tasks and responsibilities:
- You will develop novel mathematical models of adaptive cognition and behavior;
- You will ensure these models inform theoretical predictions for empirical testing in humans;
- You will explain your mathematical models in an accessible manner to a broad audience by creating science communication resources for non-modelers, including the general public;
- You will be a kind, constructive, and reliable member of the department and the DEEP lab.
Your profile
Your experience and profile:
The ideal candidate will have:
- A MSc in biology, psychology, cognitive science, or an adjacent field (e.g. computer sciences);
- A strong academic track record (e.g. a high-quality MSc thesis, good grades for relevant courses);
- Experience in mathematical modeling of adaptive cognition or behavior (e.g. optimality theory);
- Advanced computational or programming skills (Matlab, Python, C++, R, or other languages);
- A commitment to transparent research practices (e.g. sharing code, scripts, and/or data);
- The ability to participate in an interdisciplinary and international research environment;
- The interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate in team work;
- A proactive and goal-directed work approach and excellent organizational skills;
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
Candidates who only partially meet this profile are nonetheless strongly encouraged to apply.
Our offer
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended to the total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students. For this position the University Job Classification profile “Promovendus” (PhD candidate) applies. Your salary will be €3,059 gross per month in the first year and will increase to €3,881 in the final year, based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week. In addition, you will receive a 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance.
A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
- 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
- multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
- a complete educational program for PhD students;
- multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
- multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
- 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
- partly paid parental leave;
- the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
- a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
- the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
- help with registration at UvA- Housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.
Your place at the UvA
About us
The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) is one of eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The research at IBED aims to unravel how ecosystems function in all their complexity, and how they change due to natural processes and human activities. At its core lies an integrated systems approach to study biodiversity, ecosystems and the environment. IBED adopts this systems approach to ecosystems, addressing abiotic (soil and water quality) and biotic factors (ecology and evolution of plants, animals, and microorganisms), and the interplay between those. The IBED vision includes research encompassing experimental and theoretical approaches at a wide variety of temporal and spatial scales, i.e. from molecules and microorganisms to patterns and processes occurring at the global scale. The University of Amsterdam has excellent high performance computing facilities. Furthermore, IBED has a dedicated computational support team with specialized knowledge of bioinformatics, (geo)database management and scientific programming. IBED also works with non-academic partners to deliver transdisciplinary science for society.
The position will be based in the Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology. Evolutionary and Population Biology Research in the department of Evolutionary and Population Biology focuses on understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive community dynamics and speciation, and determine biodiversity patterns. The current position fits with the department’s focus on the evolution of phenotypic plasticity, the ability of organisms to produce different phenotypes depending on environmental conditions.
Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
More about the UvA
Your place at the UvA
This is where you will be working
About us
The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) is one of eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The research at IBED aims to unravel how ecosystems function in all their complexity, and how they change due to natural processes and human activities. At its core lies an integrated systems approach to study biodiversity, ecosystems and the environment. IBED adopts this systems approach to ecosystems, addressing abiotic (soil and water quality) and biotic factors (ecology and evolution of plants, animals, and microorganisms), and the interplay between those. The IBED vision includes research encompassing experimental and theoretical approaches at a wide variety of temporal and spatial scales, i.e. from molecules and microorganisms to patterns and processes occurring at the global scale. The University of Amsterdam has excellent high performance computing facilities. Furthermore, IBED has a dedicated computational support team with specialized knowledge of bioinformatics, (geo)database management and scientific programming. IBED also works with non-academic partners to deliver transdisciplinary science for society.
The position will be based in the Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology. Evolutionary and Population Biology Research in the department of Evolutionary and Population Biology focuses on understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive community dynamics and speciation, and determine biodiversity patterns. The current position fits with the department’s focus on the evolution of phenotypic plasticity, the ability of organisms to produce different phenotypes depending on environmental conditions.
Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
More about the UvA
Important to know
Your application & contact
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the ‘Apply’-button on the vacancy’s webpage. We accept applications until and including 01 June 2026.
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):
- a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
- a copy of a university transcript, including grades obtained in your MSc program (BSc transcript not necessary);
- a letter of motivation (max. 2 pages);
- a list of publications;
- the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure. (for details: national knowledge security guidelines)
We will invite potential candidates for interviews soon after the closing date.
Do you have any questions, or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Willem Frankenhuis, Associate Professor, [email protected].
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Important to know
Your application & contact
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the ‘Apply’-button on the vacancy’s webpage. We accept applications until and including 01 June 2026.
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):
- a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
- a copy of a university transcript, including grades obtained in your MSc program (BSc transcript not necessary);
- a letter of motivation (max. 2 pages);
- a list of publications;
- the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure. (for details: national knowledge security guidelines)
We will invite potential candidates for interviews soon after the closing date.
Do you have any questions, or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Willem Frankenhuis, Associate Professor, [email protected].
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Don't miss out on your dream job!