PhD position "Differences in trainability of Wellbeing"

Are you interested in wellbeing research and do you have a background in behaviour genetics and/or molecular genetic/multi-omics methodology? Then we are looking for you!

Project description
In light of major demographic trends, building and maintaining health and wellbeing amongst citizens is one of the most important societal challenges countries face. People who feel well, function better, are less susceptible to mental illness, and thus are better able to retain competitive advantage and expand human capital. People who feel well also facilitate social capital by enjoying stronger and more-lasting relationships.

Knowledge on the malleability of wellbeing is essential to facilitate and build wellbeing. While converging evidence reports significant positive effects of wellbeing training, the effects have so far only been studied in single omics designs.

In this project, we, as a team, will go beyond the state of the art by setting up a (gamified) wellbeing training in a multi-omics informative sample, including (epi) genetic, metabolome, and environmental (exposome) data. We will extend traditional randomized control approaches by making optimal use of the unique characteristics of a twin sample, by using identical twins as (nearly) perfect matched controls. We will make, among other datasets, use of data of the Netherlands Twin Register (www.tweelingenregister.org).

Requirements:

• A (research) master in biological psychology, positive psychology, genetics, psychometrics, artificial intelligence, epidemiology or something along those lines
• Knowledge of statistical methods and statistical programming (R or Python)
• Experience with or interest in behaviour genetics and molecular genetic/ multi-omics methodology
• Experience in working with large datasets
• Interest in Wellbeing and Research
• Excellent English writing and speaking skills

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

Salary Benefits:

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 2.770,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.539,00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate.
• an employment contract of initially one year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• hybrid working enables a good work-life balance

Van der Boechorststraat 7