PhD Position: Intrusive Memories as Transdiagnostic Driver of Mental Health Problems

PhD Position: Intrusive Memories as Transdiagnostic Driver of Mental Health Problems

Working at the UvA

Your project: the role of intrusive memories in symptom networks

Adverse experiences are a risk factor for various forms of psychopathology, with memories of these events coming to expression in the form of unbidden, intrusive mental images. While often disruptive and distressing in their own right, intrusive memories may also bring about a cascade of problematic behaviours. In this project we investigate intrusive imagery as a potential transdiagnostic driver of dysfunctional thoughts, urges and behaviours. Specifically, we will conduct a single-case experimental design (SCED) with longitudinal experience sampling in a small clinical sample (in collaboration with GGZ Noord-Holland Noord) to test whether intrusions maintain other symptoms, whether their relation is reciprocal, or whether intrusions are epiphenomenal. In addition, we will analyse temporal networks derived from ecological momentary assessments (EMA) collected in a large clinical sample to examine which symptom clusters are commonly activated by intrusions. Smaller lab studies will be conducted alongside the clinical studies to test specific hypotheses about the temporal order in which intrusive memories and (dysfunctional) behaviours occur.

Working at the UvA

Your project: the role of intrusive memories in symptom networks

Adverse experiences are a risk factor for various forms of psychopathology, with memories of these events coming to expression in the form of unbidden, intrusive mental images. While often disruptive and distressing in their own right, intrusive memories may also bring about a cascade of problematic behaviours. In this project we investigate intrusive imagery as a potential transdiagnostic driver of dysfunctional thoughts, urges and behaviours. Specifically, we will conduct a single-case experimental design (SCED) with longitudinal experience sampling in a small clinical sample (in collaboration with GGZ Noord-Holland Noord) to test whether intrusions maintain other symptoms, whether their relation is reciprocal, or whether intrusions are epiphenomenal. In addition, we will analyse temporal networks derived from ecological momentary assessments (EMA) collected in a large clinical sample to examine which symptom clusters are commonly activated by intrusions. Smaller lab studies will be conducted alongside the clinical studies to test specific hypotheses about the temporal order in which intrusive memories and (dysfunctional) behaviours occur.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

  • Conduct a comprehensive review and synthesis of literature on intrusive thoughts and their relation with mental health problems;

  • Set-up and oversee a study involving a brief intervention and several weeks of ecological momentary assessments (EMA) in a clinical population, alongside smaller laboratory experiments;

  • Analyse quantitative (EMA) data using network statistics, and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed scientific journals;

  • Present results at (inter)national conferences and/or for collaborators;

  • Teach and supervise bachelor and master students within the Clinical psychology program.

What do you have to offer

For this position, it is essential that you:

  • Have a (Research) Master’s degree in Psychology, with a focus on Clinical or Developmental Psychology, or highly related specializations;

  • Are trained in quantitative research methods (statistics; experimental design);

  • Are proficient in both oral and written (academic) English; candidates fluent in Dutch will be given special consideration;

  • Are committed to open science practices (e.g., preregistration, data sharing).

In addition, you satisfy some (nobody fits all of the criteria) of the requirements listed below:

  • Clinical training/ experience with mental health interventions;

  • Programming skills, preferably R;

  • Experience with Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and/ or network analysis;

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, participants (adults struggling with mental health problems), clinicians, and personnel at mental health care facilities. You value diverse perspectives and feedback;

  • You stay focused and organised, even when juggling multiple tasks;

  • You are resilient under stress and keep calm when things get busy;

  • You like a challenge and are eager to acquire new research skills, such as advanced network analysis of time-series data;

  • Experience or affinity with experimental psychopathology research.

What do we offer you

We offer a temporary full-time position of 30-38 hours a week for a term of 4 years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of 36 months, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. The preferred starting date is September 1st 2025 (with some room for negotiation).

You will be supervised by a supportive, engaged, and enthusiastic team that values initiative and input. You will have weekly meetings with the principal investigator and regular meetings with the promotor, depending on the stage of the project and the focus of the current studies. Furthermore, you will be part of the Dutch-Flemish postgraduate school for Experimental Psychopathology (EPP), which provide numerous training courses and networking opportunities. In addition, the University of Amsterdam offers excellent possibilities for professional development and education, in an inspiring and international working environment located in the heart of Amsterdam. We will put together a curriculum which will also include the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international conferences.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

  • Conduct a comprehensive review and synthesis of literature on intrusive thoughts and their relation with mental health problems;

  • Set-up and oversee a study involving a brief intervention and several weeks of ecological momentary assessments (EMA) in a clinical population, alongside smaller laboratory experiments;

  • Analyse quantitative (EMA) data using network statistics, and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed scientific journals;

  • Present results at (inter)national conferences and/or for collaborators;

  • Teach and supervise bachelor and master students within the Clinical psychology program.

What do you have to offer

For this position, it is essential that you:

  • Have a (Research) Master’s degree in Psychology, with a focus on Clinical or Developmental Psychology, or highly related specializations;

  • Are trained in quantitative research methods (statistics; experimental design);

  • Are proficient in both oral and written (academic) English; candidates fluent in Dutch will be given special consideration;

  • Are committed to open science practices (e.g., preregistration, data sharing).

In addition, you satisfy some (nobody fits all of the criteria) of the requirements listed below:

  • Clinical training/ experience with mental health interventions;

  • Programming skills, preferably R;

  • Experience with Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and/ or network analysis;

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, participants (adults struggling with mental health problems), clinicians, and personnel at mental health care facilities. You value diverse perspectives and feedback;

  • You stay focused and organised, even when juggling multiple tasks;

  • You are resilient under stress and keep calm when things get busy;

  • You like a challenge and are eager to acquire new research skills, such as advanced network analysis of time-series data;

  • Experience or affinity with experimental psychopathology research.

What do we offer you

We offer a temporary full-time position of 30-38 hours a week for a term of 4 years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of 36 months, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. The preferred starting date is September 1st 2025 (with some room for negotiation).

You will be supervised by a supportive, engaged, and enthusiastic team that values initiative and input. You will have weekly meetings with the principal investigator and regular meetings with the promotor, depending on the stage of the project and the focus of the current studies. Furthermore, you will be part of the Dutch-Flemish postgraduate school for Experimental Psychopathology (EPP), which provide numerous training courses and networking opportunities. In addition, the University of Amsterdam offers excellent possibilities for professional development and education, in an inspiring and international working environment located in the heart of Amsterdam. We will put together a curriculum which will also include the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international conferences.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will work

You will be based at the Department of Psychology at the University of Amsterdam, in the Clinical Psychology program group, and you will be a member of the Amsterdam Emotional Memory lab. The lab addresses fundamental questions about memory malleability, investigates mechanisms of change in the treatment of mental disorders, and contributes to treatment innovation. The project is embedded in a broader research consortium (NSMD), and you will be supervised by Dr Renée Visser (PI), Prof. Merel Kindt and Dr Lourens Waldorp (University of Amsterdam) and Prof Anita Jansen and Prof Anne Roefs (University Maastricht). Part of the research will be carried out in collaboration with GGZ-Noord-Holland-Noord.

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?

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

This is where you will work

You will be based at the Department of Psychology at the University of Amsterdam, in the Clinical Psychology program group, and you will be a member of the Amsterdam Emotional Memory lab. The lab addresses fundamental questions about memory malleability, investigates mechanisms of change in the treatment of mental disorders, and contributes to treatment innovation. The project is embedded in a broader research consortium (NSMD), and you will be supervised by Dr Renée Visser (PI), Prof. Merel Kindt and Dr Lourens Waldorp (University of Amsterdam) and Prof Anita Jansen and Prof Anne Roefs (University Maastricht). Part of the research will be carried out in collaboration with GGZ-Noord-Holland-Noord.

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?

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role, we look forward to receiving your application by 6 June 2025.

Applications in one bundled .pdf should include:

  • a curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages, no photo);

  • a letter, describing your motivation and fit for the position (max. 1 page);

  • an overview of grades obtained during BSc and MSc;

  • The names and contact details of at least two referees (preferably including your thesis supervisor), including email addresses and phone numbers.

Please combine all documents into a single PDF file and name it using the following format: LastName_FirstName_NSMD_PhD.pdf

Interviews will take place in the afternoon of 23 June 2025, with the PhD position preferably starting August or September 2025. If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Dr Renee Visser, [email protected]

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.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role, we look forward to receiving your application by 6 June 2025.

Applications in one bundled .pdf should include:

  • a curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages, no photo);

  • a letter, describing your motivation and fit for the position (max. 1 page);

  • an overview of grades obtained during BSc and MSc;

  • The names and contact details of at least two referees (preferably including your thesis supervisor), including email addresses and phone numbers.

Please combine all documents into a single PDF file and name it using the following format: LastName_FirstName_NSMD_PhD.pdf

Interviews will take place in the afternoon of 23 June 2025, with the PhD position preferably starting August or September 2025. If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Dr Renee Visser, [email protected]

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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