Postdoctoral Researcher “Eating Disorders"

Postdoctoral Researcher “Eating Disorders"

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

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in eating disorders to join the Clinical Psychology: cognitive and emotional processes research group.

Your job

As postdoctoral researcher you will contribute to research on eating disorders and teach in our Bachelor and/or Master Psychology program. In this role you will be working with dr. Lot Sternheim and be part of the Clinical Psychology: cognitive and emotional processes research group (Chair: Prof. Elske Salemink). You will also have the opportunity to work together with eating disorder researchers from both the Utrecht University and clinical eating disorder institutions.Fifty percent of the research time will be allocated to research projects on eating disorders in Southern African countries and their correlates (i.e. body image, trauma, globalization and food insecurity). The other fifty percent of research time can be used by the Postdoctoral Researcher to set up or establish their own research line, as long as this research is eating disorder related and in agreement with dr. Lot Sternheim. The core tasks of the Postdoctoral Researcher include (jointly) designing and conducting studies, analysing data, preparing manuscripts, and presenting findings at international conferences. Twenty percent of the position involves teaching responsibilities, to be agreed upon jointly with the department and the postdoc; these may include supervising BA and MA thesis students, supervising MA internship students, and teaching working groups.

This role provides a unique balance of mentorship, collaboration, and research autonomy, ideal for early-career scientists eager to advance their academic eating disorder profile in a supportive, innovative environment.

Your qualities

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who has a genuine interest in eating disorders and a strong motivation to conduct clinical research. Strong advantages are research experience with cross-cultural studies or an interest in this research area, qualitative research experience and clinical experience with respect to eating disorders.

We are looking for someone who:

• has a PhD degree in the field of Clinical Psychology and/or Experimental Psychopathology;
• has an excellent level of scientific writing, as shown by recent international peer-reviewed publications
• is effective and efficient, has excellent organizational and social skills, and is a team player;
• has scientific creativity;
• has a good level of written and spoken Dutch and English;
• has an interest in teaching.

Our offer

• a temporary position for one year;
• a working week of 28 - 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 Lot Sternheim

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 takes place in the week of 18th of May.

An assessment is part of the procedure.

Our preferred start date is June 1st 2026.

The application deadline is 11 May 2026.