PhD position Stress in Action: Modelling and predicting the effect of stress
Apply nowPhD position Stress in Action: Modelling and predicting the effect of stress
The experience of stress is an inherent aspect of daily life. However, can we validly measure this, and how and under what circumstances does it contribute to disease? We at the department of Psychometrics and Statistics at the University of Groningen are looking for a PhD candidate to work with us on the ambitious Stress in Action project (more details about the project can be found here: https://stress-in-action.nl/).
PhD position Stress in Action: Modelling and predicting the effect of stress
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What are you going to do?
The central aim of this project is to contribute to the data-analytic goals of the Stress in Action programme by comparing and integrating machine learning (ML) approaches with dynamic intensive longitudinal data (DILD) modelling. As part of the Data Analytic Support Core (DASC), this project focuses on how the dynamic interaction between contextual stress exposure and multicomponent stress responses in daily life can be best modelled, while accounting for individual differences.
A key innovation is the deliberate combination of ML and time-series modelling techniques. Whereas ML methods are typically optimized for data reduction and prediction, and DILD approaches emphasize explanation and interpretability of temporal processes, their integration is expected to yield both accurate predictions and a deeper understanding of what these predictions represent in daily life.
A central focus of the project is the role of qualitative data. Qualitative information will be used to contextualize and interpret quantitative patterns, helping to clarify how participants experience, interpret, and respond to stress in daily life. In addition, qualitative insights will inform model development by identifying meaningful features and improving the ecological validity of predictions.
Finally, the project will examine how much data is required to obtain reliable and meaningful predictions. This involves combining quantitative evaluations of model performance with qualitative approaches to understand, in practice, how many data points are needed to make valid inferences about stress processes in everyday life.
Who are you?
- Research MSc degree (or finishing soon) in psychology or a related discipline.
- Experience in collecting Experience Sampling Methods data.
- Knowledge of multilevel models, Large Language Methods and machine learning approaches.
- Experience with time series analysis and structural equation modelling.
- Programming skills in R.
- Previous experience with working with qualitative data is also a plus.
- Active knowledge of Dutch (level A2) in order to work with the qualitative data.
- Affinity and preferably experience with writing research papers.
- Good social and communication skills and willing to work with other team members.
- Prior teaching experience, preferably in statistical courses.
- Enthusiastic about translating scientific insights into practical guidelines and advice.
- Demonstrable competences such as conceptual capacity, presenting, planning and organizing and monitoring.
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 up to a maximum of € 3.881 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- We offer temporary employment of 0.8-1.0 FTE for a period of four years. You will first receive temporary employment for the period of one year. After a positive Results and Development Interview, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of three years. Selection interviews will take place at the end of May, 2026.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences (GMW) excels in research and teaching in the areas of behaviour, thinking, learning, and participation in society. More than 4,500 students and approximately 650 staff address social questions and challenges that people experience in daily life. Our core focus is on individual and societal resilience and how to strengthen it. We focus on current themes such as health and wellbeing, sustainable living, learning and development, inclusive society, safe and healthy upbringing, and work and collaboration. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, visit rug.nl/gmw.
The position is situated in the Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the statistics and psychometrics department (https://www.rug.nl/research/heymans-institute/research-units/psychometrics-and-statistics/) and the LaBlab (https://www.laurabringmannlab.com/about).
Furthermore, as the position is part of an interdisciplinary project, you will be also working with the VU Amsterdam in Prof. dr. Hoogendoorn’s lab (https://www.few.vu.nl/~mhoogen/). Thus, short visits to Amsterdam are to be expected.
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Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
- CV.
- Cover letter.
- Transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
- A research proposal of max. 1000 words of a possible first project.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
-
Questions about the content of the job?
Laura Bringmann
Associate Professor
L.F.Bringmann@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Laura Bringmann
Associate Professor
L.F.Bringmann@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.
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