PhD Researcher: Neural Mechanisms of Psychoanalytic Therapy for Depression
Explore how psychoanalytic therapy reshapes brain function in chronic depression using longitudinal fMRI studies.
Best for:Best for neuroscientists or psychologists with a master’s in neuroscience, psychology, or biomedical sciences, strong statistical analysis skills, and experience in neuroimaging or clinical research.
Overview
This PhD position at Amsterdam UMC focuses on uncovering the neural mechanisms underlying psychoanalytic therapy for chronic depression. Within the **Resonantie-study**, you will investigate brain changes via fMRI before and after therapy, correlating these with self-perception, emotional regulation, and clinical outcomes. The project compares psychoanalytic therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify personalized treatment pathways. You will coordinate a clinical trial involving 100 participants, analyze neuroimaging and clinical data, and publish findings leading to a doctoral thesis. The multidisciplinary team includes clinicians, researchers, and neuroimaging experts, offering a collaborative environment to advance depression treatment.
What you'll do
- Coordinate a clinical trial involving 100 participants with chronic depression, managing recruitment, inclusion, and MRI scheduling.
- Perform statistical analysis on fMRI and clinical trial data to identify neural changes associated with therapy outcomes.
- Write scientific articles and compile findings into a doctoral thesis.
- Present research at national and international conferences within Amsterdam UMC and the Depression Academic Workplace.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including clinicians, researchers, and neuroimaging specialists.
- Manage data preprocessing, clinical measurements, and trial documentation.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, with demonstrated interest in brain-behavior relationships.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency for academic work; Dutch (B2 level or higher) for patient interaction.
Instruction: English
- Proven experience in scientific research and statistical analysis, preferably within neuroscience.
- Familiarity with neuroimaging analysis techniques.
- Proficiency in programming (R or Python) and neuroimaging software.
- Strong organizational and communication skills in Dutch (B2 level or higher) for patient interaction.
- Self-motivation, proactivity, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
- No formal eligibility restrictions beyond degree completion.
- Open to international applicants.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-19
Submit your application via the AcademicTransfer portal, including a CV, cover letter, and proof of degree. Ensure your cover letter highlights your research experience, statistical skills, and motivation for this project. Additional documents may be requested during the selection process.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Proof of degree (master’s diploma or transcript)
- Letters of recommendation (if applicable)
Contact
Not specified· Not specified
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