Postdoc Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of Parenting Support Program Effects

This 19-month postdoc project, funded by a ZonMw grant, will be conducted in the Research Institute of Child Development and Education at the University of Amsterdam. The aim of the research will be to better understand the most effective ways to reduce violence against children and enhance parent and child well-being. To achieve this understanding, we will use aggregate (i.e., trial) level meta-analysis and individual participant data meta-analysis from randomized trials of parenting support programs.

The Postdoc will update two existing databases with currently more than 300 randomized trials and data from more than 6,000 individual families. This will include data extraction for the purpose of aggregate-level meta-analysis and data harmonization for the purpose of individual participant data meta-analysis. In addition, they will lead data analysis and scientific article writing on research questions of their interest within the project aims, using either (or both) aggregate-level and individual participant data meta-analysis. Possibilities of a teaching appointment for an additional 0.2 FTE (7.6 hours per week) can be discussed.

What are you going to do?
Your primary tasks will be:

• Data extraction and coding of trials included in the aggregate-level meta-analysis (including risk of bias assessment).
• Harmonization of individual family data from trials included in the individual participant data meta-analysis. This means you will transform data obtained from different measures using standardized procedures, some of which might need to be (re-)developed as part of the project.
• Analysis of aggregate-level and individual participant data meta-analysis.
• Writing international peer-reviewed academic papers.
• Presenting your work at a conference for academics, policy makers and/or clinicians.

We are looking for a candidate who is eager to enhance their skills and knowledge regarding systematic reviewing and meta-analysis, and qualified to use rigorous research designs to advance our understanding of parent and child well-being. The candidate must thrive in a collaborative environment that asks for autonomy and flexibility and hold a proactive, mastery-oriented approach to one's learning process.

Your experience and profile:

• You hold a PhD in psychology (e.g., developmental or clinical), pedagogics, or an associated field, or will finish your PhD dissertation by the summer of 2024.
• You have a proven ability to conduct research that requires a high level of conscientiousness, preferably including systematic reviewing and (individual participant data) meta-analysis.
• You have a thorough understanding of evidence-based approaches to reduce violence against children and enhance the well-being of parents and their children.
• You have a thorough understanding of established measures to assess parenting and child mental health.
• You have excellent quantitative research and analysis skills.
• You have excellent academic writing and presentation skills.
• You are flexible with strong social and organisational skills.
• You enjoy working in a team while maintaining autonomy.
• You enjoy projects that require proactivity, collaboration, and creativity.
• You are able and willing to work in Amsterdam.

The position concerns temporary employment of 30.4 hours (0.8 FTE) per week for 19 months.

Your salary will be €4,332 gross per month (scale 11,0; based on 38 hours per week), keeping with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities. We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

• A position in which initiative and input are highly valued.
• An enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues.
• An inspiring academic working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

A challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organization. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application/motivation letter and resume in one .pdf by May 19th, 2024.

Applications in one bundled .pdf should include:

• a curriculum vitae.
• a letter of motivation.
• A copy of one of your scientific papers that you are particularly proud of.