Postdoc Effects of Psychiatric Assistance Dogs
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Would you like to contribute to innovative research at the intersection of psychiatry, animal-assisted interventions, and societal impact? We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral researcher for an ambitious research project investigating the effectiveness of psychiatric assistance dogs. This is an opportunity to advance scientific knowledge about the added value of assistance dogs for people with mental health challenges and to contribute to strengthening the evidence base for this intervention.
Postdoc Effects of Psychiatric Assistance Dogs
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What are you going to do?
In close collaboration with experts by experience and psychiatric assistance dog organizations, this project will conduct a multiple-baseline study using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). This innovative design enables a methodologically rigorous evaluation of the effects of psychiatric assistance dogs in everyday life.
The postdoctoral researcher will investigate the effects of psychiatric assistance dogs on the well-being and societal participation of adolescents and young adults (aged 16–30) with severe psychosocial difficulties. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for coordinating and conducting the study, including participant recruitment and support, data collection and analysis, reporting research findings, and publishing results in international peer-reviewed journals.
Who are you?
We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:
- A PhD in the social sciences or a related discipline.
- A relevant publication record demonstrating the ability to publish in international scientific journals, preferably leading peer-reviewed journals.
- A strong interest in interdisciplinary research.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Dutch and English.
- The ability to work independently and to lead collaborative research activities.
- A collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated competencies in conceptual thinking, organizational and societal awareness, presentation skills, and results orientation.
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.706 (schaal 10) up to a maximum of € 4.925 (schaal 10.7) 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.
- An appointment for 0.8 FTE for a period of 20 months.
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 Special Education and Youth Care: Learning & Development unit, together with the Behaviour, Parenting and Children’s Rights unit, is responsible for the teaching and research programme in Special Education and Youth Care. Both units are part of the Department of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences and collaborate closely in both research and education.
The unit develops knowledge to improve support for children, adolescents, and adults with learning, developmental, and educational challenges. Its research focuses on the development and evaluation of evidence-based interventions in special education and youth care. This work is grounded in a transactional, developmental, and systems perspective, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between individuals and their environments. Participation and inclusion are central guiding principles. Research addresses a broad range of populations, including children, adolescents, and adults with learning, behavioural, or developmental challenges, intellectual disabilities, or complex support needs. In close collaboration with schools, healthcare organizations, and knowledge partners, the unit works to advance more inclusive support and education, both nationally and internationally.
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Sollicitatieprocedure
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.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
-
Questions about the content of the job?
Steffie van der Steen
Associate Professor
S.van.der.Steen@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Steffie van der Steen
Associate Professor
S.van.der.Steen@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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