2PhD Studentship, University of Leiden, Netherlands

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August 13, 2010

PhD Scholarship in Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University

Job Description: Applications are invited for the following projects-
Vacancy number: 10-139
Project 1. Neurobiology of parents’ responses to infant crying
During infancy, crying is one of the most salient behaviors: it generally elicits parental care and nurturance, but crying can also evoke intense negative emotions in parents and may trigger abuse and neglect. Although little is known about the underlying mechanisms of sensitive versus harsh responses to infant crying, specific brain structures, neurotransmitters and hormones may be involved in the perception of infant crying and parental sensitivity to infant signals. In the current project, we will combine brain imaging techniques with observations of parenting to gain more insight into the neurobiological aspects of parents’ responses to infant crying. This project is in cooperation with the Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University.

Project 2. Parents’ and children’s differential susceptibility to environmental influences

Not everyone is equally susceptible to environmental influences such as negative life events or rearing effects. Temperament and genetic factors may render some individuals more susceptible to the effects of the environment than others, with adverse contexts fostering negative outcomes, and supportive contexts promoting positive outcomes. For example, previous studies have shown that children with a specific genetic lay out display more behavior problems under conditions of insensitive parenting, but also remarkably positive outcomes when they receive supportive care.

In this project, we will focus on the mechanisms of differential susceptibility in both children and adults.
Your profile

A degree (drs./MSc) in the domain of Psychology, Child and Family Studies (Pedagogische Wetenschappen), Biology or Biomedical Sciences, with a focus on the neurobiological aspects of (child) psychology. Proficiency in spoken and written English and good communication skills. For the first project, a strong interest in the topic of neurobiological aspects of behavior as well as experience in conducting EEG or fMRI research is preferred. You may spend several months in Oxford for data collection and processing. For the second project an interest in molecular genetic research of parenting and child development is an advantage.
Conditions of employment

We offer a challenging environment to develop on-the-job academic skills. Appointments will be according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), for a period of one year with an extension of three years after positive evaluation of capabilities and compatibility. Ultimately the appointment leads to the completion of a PhD thesis. Your advisors will be dr. D. Out, prof.dr. M.J. Bakermans-Kranenburg, and prof.dr. M.H. van IJzendoorn.

The gross monthly salary is set on € 2.042,- in the first year up to € 2612,- in year four. An appointment with Leiden University includes a pension build-up and facilitates other benefits such as an annual holiday premium of 8% and an end-of-year premium of 8.3%.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Rommert Casimir Institute, which is part of the Leiden Graduate School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The graduate school offers PhD courses and training.
Further information

For more information, please contact dr. Dorothée Out (dout@fsw.leidenuniv.nl).
Application

Please apply by sending your written application via email and before august 20 2010, using the vacancy number, including full Curriculum Vitae and the names and phone numbers of two references to:
vacature@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.

When your application reaches us we will send you confirmation by e-mail. If you haven’t received a confirmation within three days after you send us the e-mail, please phone us at 071 527 3427

Further Scholarship Information and Application

Scholarship Tags: Behavioral Sciences, Family Studies, Netherlands, PhD Studentships