The department of Developmental Psychology has four PhD positions available that will strengthen ongoing research areas in the fields of development, transitions, psychopathology, lifespan and aging. The four PhD projects are related to life events and transitions, antisocial behavior and transitions, successful aging and transitions, and youth development and transitions. All projects are part of the umbrella theme ‘Development and Transitions Across the Lifespan’. More information about the other projects please check our vacancy website. 

Please read all 4 PhD projects descriptions and feel free to apply to more than one position. 

This specific PhD position relates to:

The transition to the nursing home
The rapid aging of Western societies and the associated physical and mental declines lead to a stronger need for formal care (e.g., nursing homes, care facilities, and assisted living residences). The transition to a nursing home is accompanied with the loss of independence and mobility; however, it might also provide opportunities, such as the formation of new meaningful social relationships. This project focuses on whether and how the transition into a nursing home is associated with individual psychological development and well-being. Furthermore, we focus on potential individual (e.g., personality, motivation, mental and physical health), social (e.g., social network, support), and institutional (e.g., number of staff members, social group activities) risk and protective factors that may moderate these changes. To investigate both short- and long-term changes, we will apply a multi-method approach working with existing population-based longitudinal data sets and collecting new data including self-reports, informant reports, behavioral assessments, and experience sampling. 

Department 
You will be employed in a highly dynamic, positive and talented department with outstanding academics in the fields of lifespan psychology, developmental psychopathology, forensic psychology, transitions, social relations, personality, personal growth and strengths, and (successful) aging. For the PhD project, you will be part of a group of academics with various expertise and you will be daily supervised by dedicated staff members. Team spirit and joint scientific efforts are essential in the department, in line with the vision of Tilburg University. 
 

Teaching
The PhD position also involves teaching commitments. Concretely, PhD-students are expected to teach 20% (full-time appointment), with the exception of the last year (10%). Teaching tasks concern, among other things, supervising students in writing bachelor's theses or supervising working groups.

• (Research) Master’s degree in social sciences or a comparable master’s degree
• Good knowledge of statistical research methods
• Proficiency in academic written and spoken English
• Being able to work independently as well as in a team 
• Proactive attitude
• Outstanding interpersonal skills to work with external stakeholders
• Inquisitive and willing to contribute positively to the atmosphere of the Department

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The appointments are intended to lead to the completion of a PhD thesis. The PhD appointment begins with a period of 12 months. Continuation of the appointment with another 36 months will be based on performance evaluation. 

The gross salary is € 2.434 per month in the first year, rising to € 3.111 gross per month in the fourth year, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week). 

The collective employment terms and conditions for Dutch universities will apply. Tilburg University is rated among the top of Dutch employers and has excellent terms of employment, such as a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% (annually), an options model and reimbursement of moving expenses. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a temporary tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary. The university will apply for such an allowance on their behalf. The collective labor agreement of the Dutch Universities applies.

Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB) is a modern, specialized university. The teaching and research of the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences are organized around the themes of Adaptive societies, organizations, and workers, Healthy life span, Personalized prevention and care. The School's inspiring working environment challenges its workers to realize their ambitions; involvement and cooperation are essential to achieve this.

Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences