Two PhD Candidates in Precision Psychology

Two PhD Candidates in Precision Psychology

Working at the UvA

Shaping the future of personalised mental health care

Depression affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, yet more than half of patients do not respond to standard psychotherapy. The SYNTHESIS project, led by Prof. Dr. Eirini Karyotaki at the University of Amsterdam, addresses this challenge directly. By integrating Individual Patient Data (IPD) from over 573 randomised controlled trials and combining advanced network meta-analyses with machine learning, SYNTHESIS aims to identify which psychotherapy works best for whom. As a PhD candidate in the SYNTHESIS project, you will be part of a dynamic, international research team at the University of Amsterdam, working at the forefront of the emerging fielf of Precision Psychology. Together with a fellow PhD candidate, two postdoctoral researchers, and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Eirini Karyotaki, you will help build the world's largest individual patient data repository for psychotherapy trials and use it to answer one of the most pressing questions in mental health: which therapy works best for whom?

Working at the UvA

Shaping the future of personalised mental health care

Depression affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, yet more than half of patients do not respond to standard psychotherapy. The SYNTHESIS project, led by Prof. Dr. Eirini Karyotaki at the University of Amsterdam, addresses this challenge directly. By integrating Individual Patient Data (IPD) from over 573 randomised controlled trials and combining advanced network meta-analyses with machine learning, SYNTHESIS aims to identify which psychotherapy works best for whom. As a PhD candidate in the SYNTHESIS project, you will be part of a dynamic, international research team at the University of Amsterdam, working at the forefront of the emerging fielf of Precision Psychology. Together with a fellow PhD candidate, two postdoctoral researchers, and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Eirini Karyotaki, you will help build the world's largest individual patient data repository for psychotherapy trials and use it to answer one of the most pressing questions in mental health: which therapy works best for whom?

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

  • Conduct systematic literature searches (Metapsy, PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase) and explore AI-assisted screening tools (e.g., ASReview);
  • Contact trial authors, obtain IPD, and manage data-sharing agreements;
  • Harmonise and quality-check datasets into standardised, analysis-ready formats;
  • Contribute to Delphi processes and conduct IPD network meta-analyses;
  • Contribute to publications, dissemination, and open science practices (protocol registration, code and platform sharing).

What do you have to offer

  • Research Master’s (MSc) in Clinical Psychology or related field; strong research experience required (regular MSc with publications/thesis/internships or data science/ biostatistics combined with Psychology background also considered);
  • Understanding of systematic reviews and meta-analysis; IPD or network meta-analysis is a plus;
  • Excellent English and academic writing skills; publications are an asset;
  • Affinity with evidence synthesis and clinical research in mental health;
  • Methodologically rigorous, organised, collaborative, and committed to open science.

What else do we offer you

The position concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week for a maximum 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. We will put together a curriculum that will also include the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international events. You will also be tasked with teaching bachelor’s students.

For this position, the University Job Classification profile “Promovendus” 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. We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.

  • Teaching load of 15.6% (supervision MA/BA theses and tutorial groups), offering meaningful educational experience that can strengthen your CV for an academic career;
  • Excellent secondary benefits including generous leave entitlement, ABP pension, and full access to UvA facilities;
  • Supervision and mentorship from an internationally recognised team, including Prof. Dr. Eirini Karyotaki and a senior postdoctoral researcher;
  • Budget for attending international conferences and specialised methodological training courses;
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are possible, though the position is not fully remote.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

  • Conduct systematic literature searches (Metapsy, PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase) and explore AI-assisted screening tools (e.g., ASReview);
  • Contact trial authors, obtain IPD, and manage data-sharing agreements;
  • Harmonise and quality-check datasets into standardised, analysis-ready formats;
  • Contribute to Delphi processes and conduct IPD network meta-analyses;
  • Contribute to publications, dissemination, and open science practices (protocol registration, code and platform sharing).

What do you have to offer

  • Research Master’s (MSc) in Clinical Psychology or related field; strong research experience required (regular MSc with publications/thesis/internships or data science/ biostatistics combined with Psychology background also considered);
  • Understanding of systematic reviews and meta-analysis; IPD or network meta-analysis is a plus;
  • Excellent English and academic writing skills; publications are an asset;
  • Affinity with evidence synthesis and clinical research in mental health;
  • Methodologically rigorous, organised, collaborative, and committed to open science.

What else do we offer you

The position concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week for a maximum 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. We will put together a curriculum that will also include the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international events. You will also be tasked with teaching bachelor’s students.

For this position, the University Job Classification profile “Promovendus” 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. We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.

  • Teaching load of 15.6% (supervision MA/BA theses and tutorial groups), offering meaningful educational experience that can strengthen your CV for an academic career;
  • Excellent secondary benefits including generous leave entitlement, ABP pension, and full access to UvA facilities;
  • Supervision and mentorship from an internationally recognised team, including Prof. Dr. Eirini Karyotaki and a senior postdoctoral researcher;
  • Budget for attending international conferences and specialised methodological training courses;
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are possible, though the position is not fully remote.

Your place at the UvA

In this team, you will work

You will join the research group of Prof. Dr. Eirini Karyotaki within the Department of Psychology (Programme group: Clinical Psychology), Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam. The SYNTHESIS team consists of two PhD candidates, two postdoctoral researchers, and a biostatistician, all working towards the shared goal of advancing Precision Psychotherapy. You will collaborate closely with the postdoctoral researchers and benefit from regular input from a distinguished international advisory board. The team fosters an open, collegial, and international culture grounded in open science principles, with regular team meetings and an international advisory board.

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

You will join the research group of Prof. Dr. Eirini Karyotaki within the Department of Psychology (Programme group: Clinical Psychology), Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam. The SYNTHESIS team consists of two PhD candidates, two postdoctoral researchers, and a biostatistician, all working towards the shared goal of advancing Precision Psychotherapy. You will collaborate closely with the postdoctoral researchers and benefit from regular input from a distinguished international advisory board. The team fosters an open, collegial, and international culture grounded in open science principles, with regular team meetings and an international advisory board.

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

Please submit your application bundled as one PDF file in English, including:

  • a motivation letter describing your research interests and how your profile fits this position (max. 1 page);
  • a full CV;
  • a copy of your Master's thesis or a relevant writing sample;
  • contact details of two academic referees.

The closing date for applications is 3 June 2026. Preselected candidates will be invited for an interview, expected to take place in the end of June-beginning of July. The position starts on 1 September 2026. Apply via the UvA vacancy portal. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Eirini Karyotaki ([email protected]). In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given preference.

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

Please submit your application bundled as one PDF file in English, including:

  • a motivation letter describing your research interests and how your profile fits this position (max. 1 page);
  • a full CV;
  • a copy of your Master's thesis or a relevant writing sample;
  • contact details of two academic referees.

The closing date for applications is 3 June 2026. Preselected candidates will be invited for an interview, expected to take place in the end of June-beginning of July. The position starts on 1 September 2026. Apply via the UvA vacancy portal. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Eirini Karyotaki ([email protected]). In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given preference.

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.

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