PhD Position: Designing Virtual Reality Biofeedback for Enhanced Emotion Regulation in Police and Youth Radboud University in Netherlands

This PhD position at Radboud University offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the CONTEXT project, a nation-wide Dutch collaboration funded by the NWO National Science Agenda. The project aims to improve emotion regulation in groups regularly exposed to stressors, such as police officers and youth, by developing personalised biofeedback methods and virtual reality interventions. As a PhD candidate, you will refine and validate a virtual reality biofeedback game, collaborate with stakeholders, end-users, and game designers, and work closely with the CONTEXT science team. Your tasks include user-interaction testing, psychophysiological data collection and analysis (e.g., heart rate variability), optimisation of biofeedback algorithms, and participation in large-scale efficacy trials. You will also interact with work packages focusing on neuroimaging, ecological momentary and physiological assessments, theory, ethics, and societal impact.

The position is hosted at Radboud University’s Faculty of Social Sciences, within the Experimental Psychopathology and Treatment department of the Behavioural Science Institute. The CONTEXT consortium brings together 13 leading researchers from eight academic institutions, including Radboud University, Erasmus University, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, and the University of Humanistic Studies. The project collaborates with over twenty societal partners, such as the Police Academy, youth organisations, healthcare providers, and governmental bodies, ensuring that research translates into practical interventions that strengthen resilience and wellbeing in society.

Radboud University offers a supportive and inclusive research environment, with excellent facilities, strong interdisciplinary collaborations, and a commitment to open science and team science. The PhD track allows you to dedicate 10% of your time to teaching in the psychology curriculum, helping you build your teaching portfolio. Employment conditions include a temporary contract (1.0 FTE) for 1.5 years, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation, a gross monthly salary of €3,059–€3,881, 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, extra days off (30 or 41 annual leave days), flexible working hours, pension plan, sports and cultural discounts, and various training and development schemes.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in cognitive neuroscience or a related field (psychology, biology, biomedical sciences, computer sciences, or any relevant MSc). Experience with psychophysiology, virtual reality game design, user experience assessment, and advanced statistical analyses is desirable. Fluency in Dutch and English, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a proactive, goal-directed attitude are required. Even if you do not meet all criteria, you are encouraged to apply if the role interests you.

To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, addressing your letter to Dr. Floris Klumpers. The application form will specify required documents. Interviews will be held in late May and early June, with a preferred start date of 1 September 2026. For further information, contact Dr. Floris Klumpers at the provided email address.