PhD Project: The Power of Modulating Emotional Memory in Mental Health Treatment

PhD Project: The Power of Modulating Emotional Memory in Mental Health Treatment

Working at the UvA

PhD Candidate

We are looking for a PhD candidate for the project “The Power of Modulating Emotional Memory in Mental Health Treatment”. This project entails a collaboration between the University of Amsterdam and Maastricht University as part of a ZonMw-funded project on the (un)desired effects of manipulating emotional memories in mental health treatment.

As a part of this project, you will investigate the optimal conditions and underlying mechanisms of Imagery Rescripting, a treatment aimed at alleviating distressing memories. You will begin by examining how different rescripting strategies reduce the impact of emotional memories, and whether these changes in memory predict subsequent symptom reduction in a student population. This work will be followed by replication studies in clinical populations using Single-Case Experimental Designs. In doing so, the project integrates tightly controlled experimental paradigms with real-world clinical data, bridging basic memory research and clinical practice with the aim of generating findings that directly inform and enhance psychological interventions.

Working at the UvA

PhD Candidate

We are looking for a PhD candidate for the project “The Power of Modulating Emotional Memory in Mental Health Treatment”. This project entails a collaboration between the University of Amsterdam and Maastricht University as part of a ZonMw-funded project on the (un)desired effects of manipulating emotional memories in mental health treatment.

As a part of this project, you will investigate the optimal conditions and underlying mechanisms of Imagery Rescripting, a treatment aimed at alleviating distressing memories. You will begin by examining how different rescripting strategies reduce the impact of emotional memories, and whether these changes in memory predict subsequent symptom reduction in a student population. This work will be followed by replication studies in clinical populations using Single-Case Experimental Designs. In doing so, the project integrates tightly controlled experimental paradigms with real-world clinical data, bridging basic memory research and clinical practice with the aim of generating findings that directly inform and enhance psychological interventions.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

 

  • Design and conduct multiple experiments testing the differential effects of Imagery Rescripting strategies on autobiographical emotional memories;
  • Deliver Imagery Rescripting interventions to participants;
  • Conduct Single-Case Experimental Designs (SCEDs) to replicate findings in clinical populations;
  • Analyse behavioural outcomes and time series data from experimental studies and SCEDs;
  • Supervise students during data collection, collaborate with therapists and clinical institutes, translate findings into scientific publications, and contribute to the implementation of these findings in clinical practice.

 

What do you have to offer

 

  • A completed (or nearly completed) (research) Master’s degree in psychology or clinical psychology;
  • Availability starting September 2026;
  • Demonstrable experience or affinity with experimental research and clinical psychology research;
  • Motivation to collaborate with researchers and clinical psychologists, with the ability to work independently and accurately;
  • Dutch B1 proficiency, or a commitment to learn in the first year(s) of the project.

 

 

What else do we offer you

 

This is a temporary position for 38 hours per week. The initial contract is for one year. Following a positive evaluation and unchanged circumstances, the contract will be extended to a total of 4 years, ultimately leading to the completion of a PhD.

We will develop a training plan, which includes attending courses and (international) conferences. You will also contribute to teaching at the bachelor and master level.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

 

  • Design and conduct multiple experiments testing the differential effects of Imagery Rescripting strategies on autobiographical emotional memories;
  • Deliver Imagery Rescripting interventions to participants;
  • Conduct Single-Case Experimental Designs (SCEDs) to replicate findings in clinical populations;
  • Analyse behavioural outcomes and time series data from experimental studies and SCEDs;
  • Supervise students during data collection, collaborate with therapists and clinical institutes, translate findings into scientific publications, and contribute to the implementation of these findings in clinical practice.

 

What do you have to offer

 

  • A completed (or nearly completed) (research) Master’s degree in psychology or clinical psychology;
  • Availability starting September 2026;
  • Demonstrable experience or affinity with experimental research and clinical psychology research;
  • Motivation to collaborate with researchers and clinical psychologists, with the ability to work independently and accurately;
  • Dutch B1 proficiency, or a commitment to learn in the first year(s) of the project.

 

 

What else do we offer you

 

This is a temporary position for 38 hours per week. The initial contract is for one year. Following a positive evaluation and unchanged circumstances, the contract will be extended to a total of 4 years, ultimately leading to the completion of a PhD.

We will develop a training plan, which includes attending courses and (international) conferences. You will also contribute to teaching at the bachelor and master level.

Your place at the UvA

You will work here

 

You will be employed at the Department of Psychology at the University of Amsterdam, within the Clinical Psychology program group. In addition, you will be part of the larger ZonMw funded consortium based in Amsterdam and Maastricht (PI: Prof. dr. Merel Kindt).

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

You will work here

 

You will be employed at the Department of Psychology at the University of Amsterdam, within the Clinical Psychology program group. In addition, you will be part of the larger ZonMw funded consortium based in Amsterdam and Maastricht (PI: Prof. dr. Merel Kindt).

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 position, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter (maximum one page), CV and the name of two referees (working in academia) as a PDF file. You can apply via the red button until May 1st, 2026. Interviews will take place on May 26th 2026.

For questions about the position, please contact:
Dr. Lotte Stemerding ([email protected])
Dr. Sophie Rameckers ([email protected])

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

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.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter (maximum one page), CV and the name of two referees (working in academia) as a PDF file. You can apply via the red button until May 1st, 2026. Interviews will take place on May 26th 2026.

For questions about the position, please contact:
Dr. Lotte Stemerding ([email protected])
Dr. Sophie Rameckers ([email protected])

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.
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.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Don't miss out on your dream job!

Sign up for a job alert and you'll receive automatic updates about new and relevant vacancies.

Don't miss out on your dream job!

Sign up for a job alert and you'll receive automatic updates about new and relevant vacancies.