Researcher in Methods and Statistics Specializing in Computerized Adaptive Testing

Researcher in Methods and Statistics Specializing in Computerized Adaptive Testing

Working at the UvA

Working on CAT

You will do research in the Programme Group of Methods and Statistics, at the Department of Child Development and Education, at the University of Amsterdam, where you will conduct psychometric research, including programming in R and writing papers.

Working at the UvA

Working on CAT

You will do research in the Programme Group of Methods and Statistics, at the Department of Child Development and Education, at the University of Amsterdam, where you will conduct psychometric research, including programming in R and writing papers.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

In this role, you will:

  • write computer R code for different types of fixed-length CAT and related techniques, including item response theory-based CAT, latent class-based CAT, multi-stage testing, and stochastic curtailment;

  • investigate the statistical properties of different types of fixed-length CAT and related techniques, and publish the results in a top-tier psychometric journal;

  • assist in the integrating different types of fixed-length CAT into online survey tools. This includes advising on the type of fixed-length CAT that should be implemented and supporting the implementation itself.

What do you have to offer

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher:

  • with a master’s degree in the behavioural sciences, specialized in psychometrics;

  • with at least two year experience in programming in R;

  • experienced in various types of CAT and related techniques;

  • with strong academic skills, preferably demonstrated by a first-author academic publication on CAT in an English-language journal;

  • who is available to start immediately, given the short duration of the project.

What do we offer you

  • We offer an fixed-term employment contract for 7.6 hours per week until August 31, 2026. 

  • A role in which initiative and input are highly valued;

  • An enthusiastic and welcoming team that is open to new colleagues and enjoys computers, research methods, and statistics;

  • An inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

In this role, you will:

  • write computer R code for different types of fixed-length CAT and related techniques, including item response theory-based CAT, latent class-based CAT, multi-stage testing, and stochastic curtailment;

  • investigate the statistical properties of different types of fixed-length CAT and related techniques, and publish the results in a top-tier psychometric journal;

  • assist in the integrating different types of fixed-length CAT into online survey tools. This includes advising on the type of fixed-length CAT that should be implemented and supporting the implementation itself.

What do you have to offer

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher:

  • with a master’s degree in the behavioural sciences, specialized in psychometrics;

  • with at least two year experience in programming in R;

  • experienced in various types of CAT and related techniques;

  • with strong academic skills, preferably demonstrated by a first-author academic publication on CAT in an English-language journal;

  • who is available to start immediately, given the short duration of the project.

What do we offer you

  • We offer an fixed-term employment contract for 7.6 hours per week until August 31, 2026. 

  • A role in which initiative and input are highly valued;

  • An enthusiastic and welcoming team that is open to new colleagues and enjoys computers, research methods, and statistics;

  • An inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

Your place at the UvA

In this team, you will work

Methods and Statistics is one of the 7 programme groups of the Department of Child Development and Education in the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Methods and Statistics consists of 12 members, who teach and do research in statistics and psychometrics dedicated to child development and education. You will work under supervision of Prof. Dr L. A. (Andries) van der Ark and Dr N. (Niels) Smits)

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

In this team, you will work

Methods and Statistics is one of the 7 programme groups of the Department of Child Development and Education in the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Methods and Statistics consists of 12 members, who teach and do research in statistics and psychometrics dedicated to child development and education. You will work under supervision of Prof. Dr L. A. (Andries) van der Ark and Dr N. (Niels) Smits)

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 motivation letter and CV. You can apply via the red button until April 25, 2025. Interviews will take place in early May. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given preference over external candidates.

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 motivation letter and CV. You can apply via the red button until April 25, 2025. Interviews will take place in early May. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given preference over external candidates.

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.

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.