Assistant/Associate professor Mental Health Sciences: Urban Mental Health

For the Department of Psychiatry as part of the scientific interdisciplinary Centre for Urban Mental Health (UMH), we are looking for an assistant/associate researcher who will lead projects that combine mental health care with a complex systems science approach. The Centre for Urban Mental is a research priority area of the University of Amsterdam, including our faculty of medicine.

We are specifically looking for someone whose strong research background enables them to support a dynamic and collaborative interdisciplinary research center focused on developing and evaluating innovative interventions to improve urban mental health, taking into account the complexity and dynamics of common mental health issues in an urban setting. You will investigate how interventions can improve mental health in diverse and interconnected urban environments. 

UMH aims to improve interventions to prevent common mental health problems and enhance the long-term effects of treatments for individuals with these conditions. At UMH, we investigate why some individuals thrive in an urban environment while others are vulnerable and develop mental health issues. Complexity science is used as the foundation to understand and intervene in the complexity and dynamics of mental health problems in an urban context.

You will study innovative multimodal interventions at various levels (e.g., psychological and/or environmental interventions, including cutting-edge technology) and combine this with current knowledge of common mental health problems (primarily depression and anxiety at Amsterdam UMC). The backbone of the interdisciplinary UMH is complex systems science. We are specifically looking for a researcher or scientist-practitioner whose background will allow them to develop a dynamic and collaborative research program focused on the development and evaluation of multimodal interventions at various levels and the use of advanced technology (digital interventions and/or the use of AI) to innovate these interventions within an urban context.

You are expected to contribute to the Centre for Urban Mental Health through participation at relevant meetings and taking on selected responsibilities relevant to the role, and to be responsible for the (co)leadership of project(s) and delivery on project objectives, maintain an up-to-date understanding of scientific developments within the appropriate fields, and ensure a high level of scientific standard is maintained on all programs.

1. Research (analyses, writing of manuscripts);
2. Applications to grants; recruitment of external funds is expected in this role;
3. Some teaching/scholarly activities (including also supervision of graduate students and other research trainees);
4. Presentations at relevant conferences;
5. Contribute to (the continuation of) the Centre for Urban Mental Health.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Has a PhD or MD/PhD in a relevant field, such as Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Computer Science, Statistics, or Medicine. Preferably also postdoctoral clinical training (GZ, KP, KNP Psychologist or Psychiatry) and clinical experience;
• Preferably has postdoctoral research experience, or equivalent, with proven excellent research results. Postdoctoral clinical training (GZ, KP, KNP Psychologist or Psychiatry) and clinical experience is desired but not required. A commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration in mental health sciences. Excellent communication skills in Dutch and English;
• Has demonstrated experience in writing grant applications and obtaining research grants;
• Has experience in the development and/or evaluation of RCTs of multimodal/interlevel interventions for common mental health issues (anxiety and/or depression);
• Has an affinity with the development and evaluation of digital interventions and/or AI;
• Has experience working with individuals with mental health issues;
• Preferably has clinical experience (the possibility to work as a clinician can be discussed), but not mandatory;
• Has knowledge of complex systems theory and methods;
• Has an affinity with ecological momentary assessment data;
• Has proven capacity to publish in well-respected international scientific journals;
• Has experience in teaching and engaging students in a university environment;
• Has extensive experience in course design and development, preferably within a project-based curriculum;
• Is willing to become an academic mentor for students and PhD students;
• Has experience working with non-academic stakeholders and partners.

A combination with clinical work as a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist within the Department of Psychiatry can be discussed.