In the Netherlands, people with low socio-economic status currently live fifteen years shorter in good health and die six years earlier than people with high socio-economic status. There are many interventions that focus on prevention and try to improve the health of the population. Unfortunately, most of these interventions actually appear to increase existing health disparities because they are especially effective for people with higher socioeconomic status and already better health. One of the reasons for this seems to be that current interventions assume too much about self-reliance and sufficient "ability to do" on the part of citizens. The reality is that this ability is limited for many people, especially those in vulnerable groups. In the current project, in line with the objectives of the National Prevention Agreement, we want to use insights from social and health psychology to investigate which behavioural interventions are effective for a broad group of people and help to reduce health inequalities. In doing so, we build on insights from the behavioural sciences and investigate the use of strategies and interventions that are less dependent on the 'ability to do' of individuals. And this is where you come in! You carry out literature research and set up research, which you carry out and analyse within the theme of behavioural interventions and health inequalities. You will describe this research and its results in scientific articles. You collect experiences and insights from end users and stakeholders and the interdisciplinary partners on the campus in The Hague to further sharpen the research questions and the research design. You follow education based on an individual training and supervision plan, and you assist and teach within Leiden University and/or LUMC (max 5% of the appointment).

You hold a (research) master's degree in the social sciences, preferably in social or health psychology or health sciences. You have an affinity with interdisciplinary research. In addition, you are interested and have affinity with combining applied and more fundamental research at the intersection of health, behavior and policy. In addition, you are experienced with quantitative research and have strong analytical, methodological and statistical skills. You have good communication skills, both oral and written, in Dutch and English. You can work independently as well as in an (interdisciplinary) team. Finally, you have good organizational and communication skills and you work accurately, are enthusiastic, creative, and eager to learn.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

You will be given an employment contract for the production of a PhD thesis for the duration of the program with a maximum of four years. The salary amounts to € 2.495,- gross per month in the first year, rising to € 3.196,- in the last year with fulltime employment (scale Pro, CAO UMC).
 

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!

Public Health and Primary Care

Many issues in the field of health require a multidisciplinary approach. That is why the LUMC Campus The Hague, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs of Leiden University are increasingly working together. Part of the cooperation is the stimulation program Population Health Management. You will work at the Department of Public Health and Primary Care of the LUMC and will be mainly working at the LUMC Campus The Hague. The LUMC Campus The Hague is an academic workplace, promoting health in relation to the social domain in the metropolitan area of The Hague. Through research, training and education in the field of Population Health Management, we want to realize patient-oriented, affordable and accessible care together with our partners.