PhD Candidate Reducing avoidance by altering threat imagery in panic disorder

Official university vacancy imported from Maastricht University. Details are presented for discovery and may change. Confirm the latest requirements and apply on the official source.

• Our goal: This interdisciplinary project targets distressing flashbacks and flashforwards linked to panic disorder using imagery rescripting techniques. The project will combine experimental and clinical research to advance theory-driven treatment improvements.
• Design and execute qualitative and quantitative studies using a CO2 inhalation procedure;
• Implement the findings of these studies in a single-case experimental design (SCED);
• Test panic-prone participants as well as participants with panic disorder;
• Apply advanced statistical and computational modelling techniques to analyze the SCED data;
• Collaborate with clinical partners and interdisciplinary researchers;
• Disseminate research findings via scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences;
• Contribute to a culture of open science and methodological rigor.
• Education background: You have a (research) master’s degree in a relevant field, including psychology, health sciences, biomedical sciences, or neuroscience.
• Research mindset and experimental research experience: You have experience with designing and conducting experimental research, including formulating research questions, developing or implementing experimental procedures, and collecting and interpreting research data. You have a strong interest in experimental and clinical research, particularly in anxiety-related disorders, learning processes, mental imagery, and related areas.
• Programming, statistical and analytical skills: You have experience with, (or affinity for) programming and implementing experimental tasks and procedures. This includes, for example, developing, adapting or running computer-based experiments and collecting experimental data. You also have experience with, or a strong willingness to develop, skills in advanced statistical methods and quantitative data analysis. Experience with computational modelling, single-case experimental designs (SCED), repeated-measures data, and/or experimental data analysis is highly desirable.
• Clinical affinity: You have an interest in clinical psychology, clinical populations and psychological interventions. You are motivated to conduct research with panic-prone participants and/or participants with panic disorder and to translate experimental research findings into clinically relevant insights and treatment improvements.
• Communication skills: Excellent proficiency and communication skills in English language, both verbally as well as in writing. Proficiency in Dutch is considered a strong advantage.
• Collaborative attitude: You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research environment and collaborating with researchers, clinical partners and other academic and clinical stakeholders.
• A 12-month contract (0.8 FTE) with the prospect of a 4 year extension, based on mutual satisfaction
• A gross monthly salary between € 3.204 and € 4.051 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.
• Please upload a full CV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts
• Include contact details of (at least) two referees (recommendation letters are optional)