PhD project: From Diagnosis to Dynamics: The Use of Dynamic Symptom Networks in Psychotherapy

University of Amsterdam • Netherlands, Netherlands • €3.06k - €3.88k / month • 6h ago

We are looking for two PhD candidates for the project:

“From Diagnosis to Dynamics: The Use of (Dynamic) Symptom Networks in Psychotherapy”, conducted within the New Science of Mental Disorders (NSMD) consortium - a national collaboration focused on integrating innovative research methods into mental healthcare.

These projects aim to investigate whether personalized symptom networks, based on Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), provide added value compared to traditional DSM-5-based treatment indications. We will examine what clinically relevant information is contained in different types of networks, such as EMA networks and causal symptom networks (PECAN), and how this can lead to better treatment choices and outcomes. Additionally, we will evaluate whether regularly updating these networks during therapy contributes to more effective and better-tailored treatment.

What are you going to do

What are you doing to do… (divided across two projects)

· Construct and analyze dynamic symptom networks to gain insight into change processes during therapy;

· Simulate how data properties, such as (shifting) means and variances, are reflected in network structures;

· Develop a taxonomy of elements in symptom networks and their relevance for clinical theory (development);

· Investigate whether networks co-created with therapists and patients (PECAN method) lead to different treatment decisions compared to purely data-driven networks;

· Evaluate whether periodically updating PECAN networks during therapy leads to better treatment outcomes compared to using a one-time network;

· Collaborate with therapists within an ongoing clinical study (the Patient Mapping Study of the NSMD consortium), translate findings into scientific publications, and contribute to the implementation of network methodology in clinical practice.

What do you have to offer

A completed (or nearly completed) (research) Master’s degree in psychology, clinical psychology, behavioral data science, or a related field;
Availability starting September 2026 (earlier is also possible);
Demonstrable interest in clinical psychological research, dynamic systems, and the intersection of clinical theory and methodology;
Programming experience (e.g., in R) is required;
Motivation to collaborate with researchers (and potentially clinical psychologists), with the ability to work independently and accurately.

What else do we offer you

This is a temporary position for 38 hours per week. The initial contract is for one year. Following a positive evaluation and unchanged circumstances, the contract will be extended for up to 36 months, ultimately leading to the completion of a PhD.

We will develop a training plan, which includes attending courses and (international) conferences. You will also contribute to teaching at the bachelor level.

The UFO profile “PhD candidate” applies.

A challenging position with varied tasks and ample opportunities for development;
A role in which initiative and personal input are highly valued;
An enthusiastic and supportive team that welcomes new colleagues;
An inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

In this department you will work

You will be employed at the Department of Psychology at the University of Amsterdam, within the Clinical Psychology program group. In addition, you will be part of the newly established Amsterdam NSMD Lab (PI: Prof. Dr. Merel Kindt) and affiliated with the New Science of Mental Disorders consortium.

Are you passionate about science and want to contribute to the future of personalized psychotherapy? Are you curious about how symptoms evolve during treatment, and do you want to investigate how clinical data collection and network models can improve clinical decision-making? Then this is your opportunity.