The “digital companion” program will likely take the form of a mobile application designed for all students enrolled across all faculties, which will provide a performance, health and wellbeing support framework freely accessible 24/7.

The mobile application will be oriented towards (21st century) skills building by using a comprehensive approach of modular interventions providing contextual support to students’ needs in near to real-time. The mobile platform will include a range of well-designed interactive, evidence-based content modules and tools arranged in a stepped care fashion, with universal modules addressing performance potential, skills growth and primary prevention as the first line of care, and more targeted interventions addressing common mental health and behavioral problems as a secondary prevention line of care (i.e., blended care and referral system).

The PhD candidate will work in synergy in a multidisciplinary team with the task of co-creating and evaluating the first prototypes of the “digital companion”. In particular, the PhD candidate will work with professional designers and behavior change experts on the co-creation of the contents of the modular interventions included in the app, by translating evidence-based behavior change techniques into interactive contents in the digital environment. Design and evaluation go hand in hand. Therefore, the PhD candidate will also be responsible for the systematic evaluation of the mobile platform in the targeted population.

This project is designed in the spirit of team science. The candidate will collaborate very closely with the multidisciplinary team including a designer PhD candidate, and professional designers and developers, who will work on the concept design and development of platform and modules; a panel of content experts and clinicians steering the content creation of the interventions, and a group of representatives of students, university psychologists, and study advisors, who will help in mapping students’ needs and problems against targeted interventions addressing them.

The candidate must thrive in dynamic environments with imperfect and/or emerging information, enjoy the challenges that come with working outside of their area of expertise and be comfortable with working in teams.

• Master degree in Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology or Behavioral Change (preferably a Research Master)
• excellent mastering of research methods and advanced statistical methods
• interest in eHealth and digital behavior change interventions (direct experience with eHealth projects is a plus)
• strong creative and proactive working approach
• at ease with working in a multidisciplinary context and open to collaborate in a very diverse team of professionals
• ability to work in a team, but also with a high degree in autonomy
• flexibility, good communication and organizational skills
• strong oral and written communication skills in English (Dutch proficiency is a plus)

Internationally-oriented and varied work within an enthusiastic team, with attractive fringe benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). Your initial employment term will be 1 year, but will be extended with 3 years if your performance proves satisfactory. Your remuneration starts with €2325,- per year in the first year (salary scale P0, CAO NU ). Erasmus University Rotterdam offers attractive terms of employment, including a holiday allowance of 8%, a year-end payment of 8.3% and 41 annual leave days in case of a full work week. In addition, EUR takes part in the ABP pension scheme, and we also offer partially paid parental leave. For international spouses we have set up a dual career program. Moreover, EUR staff members are allowed to make use of the EUR facilities, including the Erasmus sports centre and the University Library. We value diversity and believe that a diversity of talents contributes to our vision and strategy to excel as a university on research and education. This means that we are looking for a person who can complement our team well.

Erasmus University Rotterdam

The Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), named after Rotterdam-born humanist and theologian Erasmus, is a research university with a strong international orientation and a pronounced social focus, both in its education and research activities. On the lively, modern campus, more than 28.000 students and scholars of more than 100 nationalities are constantly encouraged to develop their talents and meet their ambition. Our more than 2700 scientists and employees work together with all our students to solve challenges faced by global society, drawing their inspiration from the consistently dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. The academic education offered at our faculties is intensive, engaging and strongly focused on practical application. We increasingly perform our research in multidisciplinary teams, which are closely interwoven with international networks. In terms of research impact and the quality of its degree programs, EUR can compete with the foremost universities in Europe, which is reflected in its consistent top-100 position in most major university rankings. Erasmus University Rotterdam’s key values are daring, curiosity, social involvement, breaking new ground and striving for success www.eur.nl

Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB)

The Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) is home to a vast diversity of scientific disciplines: public administration, pedagogical sciences, psychology and sociology. In addition, the Erasmus University College, IHS, and two research institutes RISBO and DRIFT are linked to the faculty. This also reflects in the content of the (international) bachelor's and master's programs and in research.  Our activities are always focused on people and society. At the ESSB fundamental, internationally oriented research is of paramount importance. In addition, social research for professionals, policy makers, and the society is part of our research activities. ESSB offers a stimulating research environment where major national and international research grants are received. Appealing guest researchers and ambitious PhD candidates come along to conduct their research. Our education is small-scale and works with innovative forms of education such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Both the Dutch and English programs are highly ranked by students and alumni. ESSB is home to over 4000 students and more than 400 staff-members. The different disciplines are supported by the Faculty Office (for more information, please visit www.eur.nl/essb).

Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies (DPECS)

The Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies provides education and research in the area of pedagogical and psychological sciences and is embedded within the Faculty of Social Science. The education is characterized by a successful and innovative didactical approach: problem-based learning in combination with extensive professional and academic skills training. Our bachelor and master tracks receive top rankings each year.