PhD Candidate: Early Predictors of Gambling Behavior in Youth
Investigate early predictors of gambling behavior in youth using longitudinal data and participatory research methods.
Best for:Best for psychologists, epidemiologists, or social scientists with expertise in longitudinal data analysis, qualitative research, and a passion for addiction prevention and youth development.
Overview
This PhD position at Erasmus University Rotterdam focuses on identifying early predictors of gambling behavior in young people, leveraging three large longitudinal cohorts (Generation R, ABCD, and GUTS). The project aims to understand which factors from childhood and adolescence—such as family background, personality traits, cognitive risk-taking, and social networks—predict problematic gambling in young adulthood. The successful candidate will analyze large datasets, conduct qualitative research with youth and experts, and translate findings into actionable insights for prevention and early intervention. The role involves collaboration with a national consortium and participation in teaching at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in clinical psychology.
What you'll do
- Integrate, harmonize, and analyze large datasets from three longitudinal cohorts (Generation R, ABCD, GUTS) to identify early predictors of gambling behavior in youth.
- Collaborate on new data collection with children, adolescents, and young adults to gather qualitative insights on gambling predictors.
- Organize and analyze focus groups with young gamblers and experts to determine relevant predictors for inclusion in analyses.
- Write preregistrations and publish scientific articles that collectively form a doctoral thesis, while presenting findings at national and international conferences.
- Translate research findings into practical knowledge for prevention professionals, healthcare workers, and local governments.
- Contribute to research activities within the Center for Substance Use and Addiction Research (CESAR).
- Teach at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in clinical psychology.
Requirements
Degree required: Completed or imminent research master’s degree in psychology, pedagogical sciences, epidemiology, health sciences, or a related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency at a level suitable for international academic publications and collaboration. Basic Dutch proficiency is advantageous for participant interaction.
Instruction: English (with Dutch for participant engagement)
- Proven experience analyzing large datasets using multivariate statistics and longitudinal predictive modeling.
- Proficiency or willingness to learn R for data analysis.
- Attention to methodological rigor, reproducibility, and handling sensitive data with confidentiality.
- Experience conducting qualitative research and participatory methods with youth and experts.
- Strong collaborative skills to work with multidisciplinary teams across Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
- Excellent written and spoken English for international publications and communication with stakeholders.
- Basic knowledge of Dutch for interaction with participants and partners.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- Applicants must have completed or be near completion of a research master’s degree by the start date.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-16
Applicants should submit their CV, a motivation letter, and a research proposal outlining their approach to the project. Additionally, a list of relevant publications and contact details for two references are required. Applications should be sent via email to the contact person specified below.
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
- List of relevant publications
- Two reference letters
Contact
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