PhD PROJECT:
Understanding early environmental influences on mother-infant sleep dynamics, stress regulation, and bonding

The first 1,000 days of life are critical for setting the foundations of health, wellbeing, and development. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for a PhD project investigating how early environmental factors, such as maternal exercise and outdoor infant sleep, shape mother-infant sleep dynamics, stress regulation, and bonding. This project will follow mother-infant dyads from pregnancy until the first postnatal year, using intervention and observational methods. Are you our new PhD candidate?

The PhD project is based at the Developmental Psychobiology Lab, Baby & Child Research Center, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center. The project will be supervised by dr. Beyza Ustun-Elayan, dr. Noor de Waal, assoc. prof. dr. Roseriet Beijers, and prof. dr. Carolina de Weerth. You will join a vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary research team with expertise in developmental psychology, perinatal health, and psychobiology.

Profile
We are looking for a strong candidate who:
– Holds a master’s degree in psychology, developmental psychology, psychobiology, or a related field.
– Has a strong interest in perinatal mental health, developmental psychology and infant development.
– Is motivated to co-develop studies.
– Preferably has prior experience working with pregnant women, infants, or longitudinal data.

You also:
– Have excellent English language skills.
– Are strongly motivated to do scientific research.
– Combine an independent working style with a collaborative spirit.
– Have excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
– Are proactive and eager to develop your academic career in a supportive team environment.

About the position
– Duration: 4 years
– Start date: Flexible, based on mutual agreement
– Funding:  This PhD opportunity is open to candidates who have secured an external scholarship for carrying out a PhD on a full-time basis (e.g., government-funded awards).

How to apply?
Please send the following documents as a single PDF file to Carolina.deWeerth@radboudumc.nl:
– A CV
– A cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience
– A copy of your academic transcript (Master’s degree)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For informal inquiries, feel free to contact beyza.ustun-elayan@radboudumc.nl or Carolina.deWeerth@radboudumc.nl.