Postdoc in Computational Neuroscience of Adversity and Mental Health

Postdoc in Computational Neuroscience of Adversity and Mental Health

• Faculty:
• Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
• Department:
• Psychology
• Hours per week:
• 36 to 40
• Application deadline:

How does early adversity shape vulnerability to mental health problems? In this project, you will combine experimental paradigms, fMRI, and computational modelling to uncover mechanisms underlying risk and resilience. You will work with a rich multimodal dataset and collaborate within an international network spanning computational psychiatry, clinical psychology, and neuroscience.

Your job

The Department of Clinical Psychology at Utrecht University has a job opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher. You will analyse and publish findings from a large multimodal dataset including fMRI, salivary cortisol, behavioural tasks, and questionnaire data from young adults (age 18–24 years) with a history of childhood adversity (Buimer et al., 2025, preprint https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr1071622). The project examines how adversity affects social learning and self-esteem, and how these processes contribute to mental health outcomes. You will apply advanced statistical and computational modelling approaches (e.g. reinforcement learning models, hierarchical modelling) and contribute to high-impact publications. You can present your work at national and international conferences and collaborate with researchers in experimental psychopathology, computational psychiatry, and clinical science. You will spend approximately 20% of your time on teaching, either through lecturing or supervising student research projects. Students may support your research by collecting pilot data for grant applications or preprocessing datasets. You will also be supported in developing your own research line and writing grant applications.

This position is initially offered for one year. Within this period, you will:

• Analyse an fMRI dataset using a social evaluation paradigm developed by Dr Will (Will et al., 2017; eLife). You will apply computational models to investigate how experimentally manipulated self-esteem influences social learning in individuals with a history of childhood adversity. This work is intended to result in a first-author paper;
• Analyse a second dataset collected by members of our department (e.g., Dr Gerritsen & Dr Krypotos) aligned with your expertise and interests, for example on computational modelling of avoidance (see Krypotos et al., 2022, Pain), ecological momentary assessment data on avoidance and pain, and intensive longitudinal data on sex hormones and mental health (see Doornweerd & Gerritsen 2025, Psychological Medicine). This work is intended to result in a second first-author paper.;
• Prepare grant applications in collaboration with researchers in our department working on depression, trauma, anxiety, CBT, and hormonal influences on mental health, with the aim of securing follow-up funding and extending the position.

Your qualities

We are looking for an ambitious and independent researcher with a strong quantitative background and a clear interest in computational psychiatry, clinical psychology, and neuroscience.

Essential qualifications:

• You hold a doctoral degree in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, or a related field, or you nearly obtain a doctoral degree with the defense expected within 6 months of starting the position of postdoc.
• You have strong quantitative skills (e.g. advanced statistics, programming in Python, R, or Matlab).
• You have experience with neuroimaging and/or computational modelling of cognition and behaviour (e.g. reinforcement learning, Bayesian modelling, or other formal models of decision-making and learning).

Furthermore, your suitability is further supported by:

• a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals;
• the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in an interdisciplinary team;
• strong communication skills and motivation to translate research into clinically relevant insights .

Experience with both neuroimaging and computational modelling is an advantage, but not required. Candidates with strong expertise in one area and motivation to develop the other are encouraged to apply.

Our offer

• a fulltime position for 1 year, with possibility of extension depending on additional funding;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.546 and €5.538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 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 also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

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.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues.

The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr Geert-Jan Will

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.

The first round of interviews will take place between 18 and 22 May 2026.

Our preferred start date is June 1st 2026.

 

The application deadline is 12 May 2026.