University of Maastricht
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PhD in Panic Disorder, Imagery Rescripting, and Experimental Psychopathology Maastricht University in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Psychology
Funding
12-month contract at 0.8 FTE with the prospect of a 4-year extension based on mutual satisfaction. Gross monthly salary is €3,204 to €4,051 based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Additional benefits include vacation days, pension, fitness schemes, and access to university sports facilities.
Deadline
Oct 4, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
University of Maastricht

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About this position
Maastricht University is advertising a PhD position on reducing avoidance by altering threat imagery in panic disorder. The project sits at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, clinical psychology, anxiety disorders, mental imagery, and experimental psychopathology.
You will join a highly collaborative team across the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (Maastricht), Mondriaan Mental Health Center, and Utrecht University, with additional expertise from Oxford University and KU Leuven. The research focuses on distressing flashbacks and flashforwards linked to panic disorder and uses imagery rescripting, experimental and clinical methods, CO2 inhalation procedures, and single-case experimental design (SCED) approaches to improve theory-driven treatment.
The PhD candidate will design and run qualitative and quantitative studies, test panic-prone participants and participants with panic disorder, analyze data using advanced statistical and computational modelling techniques, and contribute to open science, publications, and conference presentations. The position is part of the Dutch-Flemish Postgraduate School Experimental Psychopathology, which offers additional training and networking opportunities.
Applicants should have a (research) master’s degree in a relevant field such as psychology, health sciences, biomedical sciences, or neuroscience. Experience with experimental research, programming or computer-based tasks, quantitative analysis, and a strong interest in clinical research are important. Excellent English is required; Dutch is an advantage.
The position offers a 12-month contract at 0.8 FTE with the prospect of a 4-year extension. Salary is €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month (full-time equivalent), plus holiday allowance and year-end bonus. The deadline is 4 October 2026. Preferred start date is end of November 2026.
To apply, prepare a CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, and contact details for at least two referees, then submit through the AcademicTransfer link.
Funding details
12-month contract at 0.8 FTE with the prospect of a 4-year extension based on mutual satisfaction. Gross monthly salary is €3,204 to €4,051 based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Additional benefits include vacation days, pension, fitness schemes, and access to university sports facilities.
What's required
A (research) master’s degree in a relevant field such as psychology, health sciences, biomedical sciences, or neuroscience. Applicants should have experience with designing and conducting experimental research, including formulating research questions, developing or implementing experimental procedures, and collecting and interpreting data. Strong interest in experimental and clinical research on anxiety-related disorders, learning processes, mental imagery, and related areas is expected. Programming and analytical skills are important, including experience with or affinity for computer-based experiments, advanced statistical methods, quantitative data analysis, computational modelling, single-case experimental designs (SCED), and repeated-measures data. Interest in clinical psychology, clinical populations, and psychological interventions is required. Excellent English communication skills are required; Dutch is a strong advantage.
How to apply
Prepare a full CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, and contact details for at least two referees. Submit the application via the AcademicTransfer application button/link. Contact Prof. Iris Engelhard or Dr. Pauline Dibbets for questions.
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