PhD position Stress in Action: Modelling and predicting the effect of stress

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PhD

PhD position Stress in Action: Modelling and predicting the effect of stress

The experience of stress is an inherent aspect of daily life. However, can we validly measure this, and how and under what circumstances does it contribute to disease? We at the department of Psychometrics and Statistics at the University of Groningen are looking for a PhD candidate to work with us on the ambitious Stress in Action project (more details about the project can be found here: https://stress-in-action.nl/).

Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences
Closing date: 8 mei 2026
0.8 - 1 FTE
€3.059 - €3.881

PhD position Stress in Action: Modelling and predicting the effect of stress

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What are you going to do?

The central aim of this project is to contribute to the data-analytic goals of the Stress in Action programme by comparing and integrating machine learning (ML) approaches with dynamic intensive longitudinal data (DILD) modelling. As part of the Data Analytic Support Core (DASC), this project focuses on how the dynamic interaction between contextual stress exposure and multicomponent stress responses in daily life can be best modelled, while accounting for individual differences.

A key innovation is the deliberate combination of ML and time-series modelling techniques. Whereas ML methods are typically optimized for data reduction and prediction, and DILD approaches emphasize explanation and interpretability of temporal processes, their integration is expected to yield both accurate predictions and a deeper understanding of what these predictions represent in daily life.

A central focus of the project is the role of qualitative data. Qualitative information will be used to contextualize and interpret quantitative patterns, helping to clarify how participants experience, interpret, and respond to stress in daily life. In addition, qualitative insights will inform model development by identifying meaningful features and improving the ecological validity of predictions.

Finally, the project will examine how much data is required to obtain reliable and meaningful predictions. This involves combining quantitative evaluations of model performance with qualitative approaches to understand, in practice, how many data points are needed to make valid inferences about stress processes in everyday life.

Who are you?

  • Research MSc degree (or finishing soon) in psychology or a related discipline.
  • Experience in collecting Experience Sampling Methods data.
  • Knowledge of multilevel models, Large Language Methods and machine learning approaches.
  • Experience with time series analysis and structural equation modelling.
  • Programming skills in R.
  • Previous experience with working with qualitative data is also a plus.
  • Active knowledge of Dutch (level A2) in order to work with the qualitative data.
  • Affinity and preferably experience with writing research papers.
  • Good social and communication skills and willing to work with other team members.
  • Prior teaching experience, preferably in statistical courses.
  • Enthusiastic about translating scientific insights into practical guidelines and advice.
  • Demonstrable competences such as conceptual capacity, presenting, planning and organizing and monitoring.

What can you expect from us?

  • In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 up to a maximum of € 3.881 (Promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
  • 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
  • End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
  • Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
  • We offer temporary employment of 0.8-1.0 FTE for a period of four years. You will first receive temporary employment for the period of one year. After a positive Results and Development Interview, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of three years. Selection interviews will take place at the end of May, 2026.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (RUG), researchers across all branches of science and technology work on scientific challenges and societal issues. Lecturers train their students for meaningful careers in science or beyond. Interdisciplinary research and education, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with companies, government institutions, and societal organizations are highly valued at this top 100 university. RUG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working environment that invites you to contribute your value.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences (GMW) excels in research and teaching in the areas of behaviour, thinking, learning, and participation in society. More than 4,500 students and approximately 650 staff address social questions and challenges that people experience in daily life. Our core focus is on individual and societal resilience and how to strengthen it. We focus on current themes such as health and wellbeing, sustainable living, learning and development, inclusive society, safe and healthy upbringing, and work and collaboration. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, visit rug.nl/gmw. 

The position is situated in the Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the statistics and psychometrics department (https://www.rug.nl/research/heymans-institute/research-units/psychometrics-and-statistics/) and the LaBlab (https://www.laurabringmannlab.com/about).

Furthermore, as the position is part of an interdisciplinary project, you will be also working with the VU Amsterdam in Prof. dr. Hoogendoorn’s lab (https://www.few.vu.nl/~mhoogen/). Thus, short visits to Amsterdam are to be expected.

Application procedure

Step 1: Your application

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

Step 2: Selection

The selection committee assesses your application and you will receive a response at the latest two weeks after the closing date.

Step 3: First interview

We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.

Step 4: Second interview and possible assessment or guest lecture

We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.

Step 5: Terms of employment meeting

After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!

Interested?

Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.

Please add the following documents to your application:

  • CV.
  • Cover letter.
  • Transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
  • A research proposal of max. 1000 words of a possible first project.
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Do you have any questions or need more information?

Information about applying

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.

The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Onze selectieprocedure volgt de richtlijnen van de NVP Sollicitatiecode

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