Assistant Professor in Developmental & Educational Psychology (0.8-1.0 FTE)

The Developmental and Educational Psychology unit of the Institute of Psychology invites applications for an Assistant Professor who will contribute to research, education, and societal impact focused on the development and resilience of young people. We are seeking an early-career scientist who combines methodological rigor with a strong commitment to co-creative, impact-oriented research and high-quality academic teaching.

About the unit

Our unit studies developmental processes from childhood through adolescence and emerging adulthood, with a focus on the interplay between biological factors and social contexts, including family, peers, schools, and society. We offer engaging teaching programmes in the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Psychology, in which we train students in clinical skills relevant to clinical and educational practice, and in the development of strong research competencies, preparing students for academic and applied careers. Our research is integrated with the aim of supporting young people in thriving safely, healthily, and with equal opportunities. Research within the unit is organized around two closely connected research areas. The first area focuses on young lives and social worlds, examining learning, decision-making, belonging, and participation in real-world contexts such as classrooms, peer groups, families, and online environments. The second area focuses on rethinking youth mental health, integrating developmental, transdiagnostic, and individual-differences approaches to understand risk and protective mechanisms and to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies across educational and clinical settings. The unit collaborates with a broad range of initiatives, including those within the Leiden Healthy Society Center (LHSC) and the Leiden University Treatment Clinic (LUBEC).

Your role

The successful candidate will develop and conduct research contributing to the unit-based strategic research areas and strengthen our contribution to the national Sector Plan Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) Resilience in Youth, a dynamic consortium that connects early-career researchers and advances knowledge on resilience, wellbeing, and participation of young people in today’s complex and rapidly changing social world, while accelerating the translation of research into tangible tools, practices, and public knowledge that meaningfully support young people’s wellbeing, opportunities, and participation.

In addition, you will contribute to education within the Psychology Bachelor’s program and/or the MSc programs Child and Adolescent Psychology, School Psychology, and the Research Master Developmental Psychology. Your teaching will focus on school, clinical and/or societal contexts. We value teaching that connects scientific knowledge to educational and clinical practice and prepares students for both professional practice and research careers at the intersection of education, youth mental health, and societal challenges.

Where you will work

What you bring

• A PhD in Developmental Psychology or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in youth development and developmental psychopathology
• A clear research interest in resilience in youth
• Proven teaching experience at the academic level
• Strong methodological and statistical skills (e.g., experience with R, Python, or comparable tools);
• Experience with, or strong affinity for co-creative and translational research in collaboration with schools and/or community partners
• A collaborative attitude and strong communication skills
• Excellent command of English (C1 level or higher)
• Proficiency in Dutch, or willingness to acquire Dutch at B1 level within two years
• Preferably, evidence of basic psychodiagnostic skills (BAPD)

What we offer

We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between €4728 - €6433 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Scale 11);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone (if applicable for the position).

What we find important

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?

• We believe mobility is very important. That is why we are also publishing this vacancy internally. In case of equal suitability, we will give priority to the internal candidate.
• A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid