Postdoc Clinical Psychology

10 Apr 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Utrecht University

Research Field

Psychological sciences » Psychology

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Application Deadline

22 Apr 2026 - 21:59 (UTC)

Country

Netherlands

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

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

The Clinical Psychopathology (CPP) group, chaired by Prof. Boelen, brings together researchers engaged in clinical psychological research with connections to clinical practice. Themes: (i) nature, predictors and treatment of psychological consequences of loss, trauma and illness; (ii) emotional imagery associated with loss and trauma; (iii) freezing responses in the face of threat; (iv) partner and family dynamics in coping with adversity; (v) self-esteem and related self-concepts in psychological functioning; (vi) loneliness in grief; (vii) cultural identity conflict and mental health.
Your job
The department of Clinical Psychology has a job opening for a postdoctoral position for the project “Emotional Imagery After Loss: Phenomenology, Predictive Value, and Treatment.”
The postdoc will spend 20% of the working hours teaching.
Individuals getting stuck in their grief often experience different types of intrusive imagery—both positive (e.g., memories of cherished moments with the deceased) and negative (e.g., images related to the circumstances of the death). Despite their apparent clinical relevance, little is known about these images. There are, however, strong reasons to assume that their content provides important information about unprocessed aspects of the loss, thereby offering insight into the underlying mechanisms of persistent grief. Moreover, there is growing reason to expect that directly targeting such imagery (e.g., through imagery rescripting) may yield beneficial effects.
In this project, we will examine in detail the content of intrusive images experienced during bereavement, characterize their key features (e.g., vividness, controllability, and associated emotions), and investigate their relationship with the course of grief. We will employ a multimethod approach, including interviews, self-report questionnaires, and ecological momentary assessment (EMA).
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for further developing the research plan and exploring how core CPP themes can be integrated into the project (including systemic influences on grief, self-related processes, loneliness, and cultural background). In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will take primary responsibility for the execution of the study. The project involves close collaboration with members of the CPP group, as well as with Prof. Franziska Lechner-Meichsner (University of Wuppertal), who is conducting a parallel, comparable study in Germany.

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/jobs/359993/postdoc-clinical-psychology/app…

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We are looking for a motivated and curious researcher with a strong scientific mindset.
We are looking for you if you have:

• A solid background in clinical psychology, grief research, or related areas.
• Expertise with different research methods, including self-report measures and ecological momentary assessment (EMA).
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex findings.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative attitude.

Furthermore, your suitability is ideally exemplified by:

• Initiative and independence in designing and executing research projects.
• Creativity and flexibility in addressing complex, emotionally sensitive topics.
• Empathy and sensitivity when working with bereaved individuals, combined with professional rigor.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration and international research networks.

Additional Information
Benefits

• a job (1.0 FTE) for 1 year;
• 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 .

Selection process

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.
Our preferred start date is as soon as possible.

Additional comments

For more information, please contact prof. dr. P. Boelen by p.boelen@uu.nl .
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/359993/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Utrecht

Country

Netherlands

City

Utrecht

Postal Code

3584CS

Street

Heidelberglaan 1

Geofield

Contact

City

Utrecht

Website

http://www.uu.nl/

Street

Domplein 29

Postal Code

3512 JE

STATUS: EXPIRED

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