Project description
Today, more and more research on emotions is conducted at the within-person level. Using experience sampling methods (ESM), researchers study how emotions change over time and how these dynamical processes relate to or even predict wellbeing. 

Applying such a within-person paradigm on emotions has lots of potential to advance the field of for instance mental health. Yet, many fundamental questions about within-person emotions remain unanswered. In this project, the PhD student will combine a participant-driven and a data-driven approach to explore which emotions individuals experience in daily life and which emotional experiences are more central to well-being, both in regular, everyday life and during transitional periods in life that require more adaptation. The project adopts a lifespan perspective to studying within-person emotions by including both younger and older participants.

Job description
This is an interdisciplinary project, funded by The Herbert Simon Research Institute at Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The PhD student will be supervised by dr. Yasemin Erbas (Developmental Psychology – co-promotor), dr. Joran Jongerling (Methodology – co-promotor), and by dr. Seger Breugelmans (Social Psychology - promotor). The first two years of the project, the PhD student will join the Department of Developmental Psychology. The final two years will be spent at either the Department of Social Psychology or the Department of Methodology (to be jointly determined by the PhD student and the supervisory team). 

The PhD student will collect new ESM data, analyze this data using advanced statistical techniques (e.g., Ising-models, Bayesian Networks, and Network Psychometrics), and disseminate the findings through peer-reviewed scientific publications, presentations at (inter)national conferences, and workshops for ESM researchers.

The PhD student will be part of the Tilburg Experience Sampling Network (TESC) and the Dutch-Belgian Network for ESM Research and collaborate with researchers from Tranzo Ageing Network and researchers working on student mental health, which will provide ample learning and collaboration opportunities.

Responsibilities are: 

• Writing a PhD thesis
• Planning and executing data collection
• Conducting complex data analyses 
• Active participation in the team involved in this project and in the Departments (e.g., by attending departmental meetings)
• Writing international scientific publications 
• Presenting at national and international scientific conferences 
• Giving workshops, for instance for ESM researchers or for professionals working with ageing populations 
• Teaching and supervision (e.g., supervision of bachelor theses and working groups, max 0.2 FTE)

We are looking for a highly motivated and curious PhD student. Candidates must have a relevant master’s or research master’s degree in psychology or a related discipline. In addition, we are looking for candidates who have:

• An interest in conducting research on emotions and in conducting ESM research
• Research skills and data analytical abilities, including in-depth knowledge of statistical programs (e.g., Mplus or R), or a willingness to learn this within a short timeframe
• Project management and organization skills 
• Communication and cooperation skills and the willingness to work in a team 
• Proficiency in English at an academic level (speaking Dutch or willingness to learn Dutch is a plus)
• Competencies in providing small-scale education, such as bachelor thesis and working groups supervision 

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The PhD candidate is employed by Tilburg University, which is among the top of the Dutch employers and has an excellent policy concerning terms of employment. 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 for the PhD position amounts to € 2.541- per month in the first year, rising to € 3.247,- per month in the fourth year, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week).

Tilburg University

Tilburg University and the involved departments
Tilburg University is a modern, specialized university. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB) has an inspiring working environment that challenges its employees to realize their ambitions; involvement and cooperation are essential to achieve this.
Tilburg University offers a bachelor’s and several master’s programs in psychology, including the research master “Individual Differences and Assessment” and “Social and Behavioral Sciences”, and a bachelor’s and master’s program in HR Studies.

For more information about the Departments of Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, and Methodology please visit: 

https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/schools/socialsciences/organization/departments/developmental-psychology

https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/schools/socialsciences/organization/departments/social-psychology

https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/schools/socialsciences/organization/departments/methodology-statistics