Research Assistant on mothers’ postpartum mental health

Postpartum depression affects 1 in 12 mothers in the Netherlands, yet we still don’t fully understand how a mother’s surroundings shape her mental health during this vulnerable time. The project 'Navigating Motherhood: The Emotional Landscapes of Postpartum Mental Health' seeks to change this by investigating how social and physical environments (e.g. homes, health care settings, public spaces), influence postpartum well-being.

Your job
For this study, we are looking for a curious and proactive junior researcher to conduct qualitative research at the intersection of human geography and public health. Your work will involve engaging directly with mothers through a diary study and in-depth interviews, investigating how different environments influence mental health.

You will play a central role in recruitment, fieldwork, and analysis, and will collaborate with the principal investigator to translate findings into both academic publications and recommendations for improved support systems for new mothers.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to engage in meaningful scientific research, gain hands-on qualitative research experience, and contribute to a topic of significant societal relevance.

You are a motivated and proactive colleague who:

• holds or is completing a Master’s in Human Geography, Public Health, Environmental Psychology, Gender Studies or related field;
• has proven experience with qualitative research methodologies, ideally in-depth interviews and diary research;
• has strong organisational skills and is proactive in participant recruitment and engagement;
• can approach sensitive topics with care and professionalism;
• Fluency in Dutch is an essential requirement for this position, as the research involves conducting interviews with Dutch-speaking participants;
• has excellent written and verbal communication skills in Dutch and English.

• A temporary position from September 2025 until March 2026;
• a working week of 32 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,537 and €3,707 (salary scale 9.0-9.1 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.