NWO Vici project “The power of expectations: Unraveling the role of nocebo effects in the sensitization of somatic symptoms”
Project 3 “Treatment of nocebo mechanisms for the desensitization of somatic symptoms in patients with unexplained somatic symptoms”

The NWO-Vici project focuses on unravelling the role of placebo and nocebo mechanisms and expectations (e.g. conditioning) for the sensitization of unexplained symptoms in healthy subjects and patients. Placebo and nocebo effects (i.e. positive and negative outcome expectations that result in positive or negative outcomes, respectively) explain 25-50% of outcomes in various health problems, including somatic symptoms. While far more attention has been directed to the role of placebo effects, studies suggest that nocebo effects contribute even more to somatic symptoms. However, there is not yet an integrated approach that studies psychoneurobiological nocebo mechanisms for the sensitization and desensitization of somatic symptoms. In the NWO-Vici project, a comprehensive psychoneurobiological approach is tested to 1) study the causal role of nocebo mechanisms in the sensitization and desensitization of somatic symptoms; 2) identify patients at risk for sensitization; and 3) develop innovative treatments for desensitization of somatic symptoms. For this purpose, a unique set of combined psychoneurobiological methods, particularly psychological conditioning with pharmacological modulations, is applied in experimental, prospective, and treatment studies both in healthy participants and in patients with insufficiently explained somatic symptoms. This interdisciplinary, translational project progresses key theoretical knowledge of the main psychoneurobiological nocebo mechanisms of various somatic symptoms. Findings open up new horizons for prevention and treatment, by identifying patients at risk for symptom sensitization and generating targeted treatments for symptom desensitization and recovery.

This specific part of project 3 focuses on the development of treatments of nocebo mechanisms for the desensitization of somatic symptoms in patients with insufficiently explained symptoms. For this purpose, combined psychoneurobiological treatment methods, particularly psychological conditioning with pharmacological modulations, will be applied in an experimental treatment study in patients with unexplained somatic symptoms.
You will be responsible for conducting different clinical-experimental studies in Project 3. You will write scientific, peer-reviewed publications, resulting in a PhD thesis.

• A Master or equivalent degree in a relevant field (completion of the MA thesis before the PhD project starts), including (health, medical or biological) psychology, health sciences, or biomedical sciences;
• High affinity with experimental psychoneurobiological research in healthy subjects and patients groups;
• Substantial knowledge of statistical methods and high analytical skills;
• Ambition as high-potential researcher aimed at excellent scientific research;
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary setting;
• Social and organizational competencies;
• Proficiency in Dutch and English (or the intention to reach it within a short period of time).

Appointment will be according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (cao Nederlandse Universiteiten), for a period of one year with an extension of three years after positive evaluation of capabilities and compatibility. The appointment must lead to the completion of a PhD thesis. The gross monthly salary is set on € 2,222.- in the first year, increasing to € 2,840.- gross per month in the final year.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at www.workingat.leiden.edu/.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia.

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences comprises four institutes: Education and Child Studies, Political Science, Psychology, and Cultural Anthropology & Development Sociology. The Faculty also includes the Centre for Science and Technology Studies. The Faculty is home to 5,000 students and 600 members of staff. Our teaching and research programmes cover diverse topics varying from adoption to political behaviour. For more information, see www.fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
For further information about our unit and its teaching and research activities, please visit our website (www.socialsciences.leiden.edu/psychology/organisation/hmn/).