Job Information
- Organisation/Company: University of Groningen
- Research Field: Psychological sciences » Psychology, Sociology » Societal behaviour
- Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
- Application Deadline: 23 Aug 2026 - 22:00 (UTC)
- Country: Netherlands
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Not Applicable
- Hours Per Week: 30.4
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Would you like to contribute to innovative research at the intersection of psychiatry, animal-assisted interventions, and societal impact? We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral researcher for an ambitious research project investigating the effectiveness of psychiatric assistance dogs. This is an opportunity to advance scientific knowledge about the added value of assistance dogs for people with mental health challenges and to contribute to strengthening the evidence base for this intervention.
What are you going to do?
In close collaboration with experts by experience and psychiatric assistance dog organizations, this project will conduct a multiple-baseline study using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). This innovative design enables a methodologically rigorous evaluation of the effects of psychiatric assistance dogs in everyday life.
The postdoctoral researcher will investigate the effects of psychiatric assistance dogs on the well-being and societal participation of adolescents and young adults (aged 16–30) with severe psychosocial difficulties. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for coordinating and conducting the study, including participant recruitment and support, data collection and analysis, reporting research findings, and publishing results in international peer-reviewed journals.
Where to apply
Requirements
Specific Requirements
We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:
- A PhD in the social sciences or a related discipline.
- A relevant publication record demonstrating the ability to publish in international scientific journals, preferably leading peer-reviewed journals.
- A strong interest in interdisciplinary research.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Dutch and English.
- The ability to work independently and to lead collaborative research activities.
- A collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated competencies in conceptual thinking, organizational and societal awareness, presentation skills, and results orientation.
Additional Information
Benefits
What can you expect from us?
- 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.
Selection process
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.
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.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP application code
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Additional comments
Do you have any questions or need more information?
Questions about the content of the job?
Steffie van der Steen (Associate Professor): [contact details available in the full listing]
Questions about your application process?
Steffie van der Steen (Associate Professor): [contact details available in the full listing]
Website for additional job details: https://www.academictransfer.com/363104/
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University of Groningen
Country: Netherlands
City: Groningen
Postal Code: 9712 CP
Street: Broerstraat 5
Contact
City: Groningen
Website: http://www.rug.nl/
Street: Broerstraat 5
Postal Code: 9712 CP
