Thematic fit. We seek a candidate who will strengthen our new research line in the field of successful aging from a lifespan perspective. Due to increasing life expectancy, society in many western countries is aging rapidly. Advancing age increases the risk for cognitive, physical and social challenges, which can have a negative impact on physical and mental health and engagement in social activities. Hence, adaptive coping with these age-related challenges can significantly improve individuals’ quality of life and contribute to aging proactively. However, individuals are differently affected and react differently to age-related challenges. We are interested in which personal characteristics and behaviors (e.g., genetics, brain mechanisms, cognition, life-style, self-regulation, motivation, personality) account for these inter-individual differences and act as protective or risk factors in the diversity of the aging process. In addition, we are also interested in examining which and how these personal characteristics and behaviors can be adjusted and influenced to the better.

We are looking for a candidate, who likes to work in an interdisciplinary research environment. This includes collaborating with members of the department on cognitive aging, personality development and/or forensic psychology. In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to research collaborations across departments at the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences with a focus on successful aging.

Research. The overall research time is about 50% and applicants are expected to (a) contribute to high quality papers, (b) establish an innovative and independent line of research in addition to the collaborations mentioned above, and (c) write personal career grant proposals (e.g., NWO Veni/Vidi, ERC Starter/Consolidator grant).

Teaching. The successful candidate will be able to provide challenging and engaging lectures in one of the educational programs of the department and assume mentorship of BA and MA students by supervising theses and (academic) internships.

Team. Applicants are furthermore expected to contribute to good academic citizenship  (e.g., helping department members with projects and proposals, commission memberships etc.).

Scientific excellence. Applicants need to hold a doctorate in Psychology, Neuroscience or related disciplines. The successful candidate has a competitive citation profile (publishing in peer-reviewed international journals as first or senior author) and the potential to secure external funding. In addition, the ability to work independently and high proficiency of the English language is essential.

Methodological and theoretical expertise. The candidate is interested in (or experienced with) research innovations (e.g., in terms of measurement development, novel statistical or interpretative frameworks, theory development).

Teaching skills. Applicants need a record of good student evaluations and an official teaching certification or willingness to obtain one. Working language at the Department and the University is English. However, applicants are expected to acquire Dutch language skills sufficient for carrying out basic duties within two years (expenses are paid for by the department, and time invested is partly subtracted from the teaching load).

Fixed-term contract: 5 years.

Tilburg University is rated among the top Dutch employers, offering excellent terms of employment. For the tenure track position there is a 5 years fixed term contract with the possibility of tenure thereafter. Start date: January 2020. The full-time gross salary ranges between € 3,637 and € 4,978 per month (not including various allowances). Employees from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary. Tilburg University is an equal opportunity employer.

Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Tilburg University is een moderne gespecialiseerde universiteit. Het onderwijs en onderzoek van de Tilburg School of Social and Behavorial Sciences (TSB) zijn georganiseerd rond de thema’s Health, Care & Well-Being, en People, Work, & Organizations. Met een inspirerende werkomgeving daagt de school haar medewerkers uit om hun ambities te verwezenlijken. Betrokkenheid en samenwerking zijn daarbij belangrijke uitgangspunten.

Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences