PhD Candidate: The role of self-esteem variability in psychopathology

Welcome to Maastricht University!

Are you eager to explore how moment‑to‑moment shifts in self‑esteem shape mental health? As part of the New Science of Mental Disorders (NSMD) consortium, you will contribute to a dynamic, network‑based approach to understanding psychopathology. In this PhD project, you will investigate how self‑esteem fluctuations relate to mental health and test whether reducing this variability can improve outcomes.

PhD Candidate: The role of self-esteem variability in psychopathology

• Our goal: Understanding how fluctuations in self-esteem relate to psychopathology and mental health outcomes.
• Your colleagues: Maastricht University leads the New Science of Mental Disorders project (www.nsmd.eu), in collaboration with partner universities including the University of Amsterdam and Leiden University. You will be appointed within the Department of Clinical Psychological Science (CPS) at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN), where you will work closely with your supervisors prof. Carolien Martijn and dr. Ria Hoekstra, and other colleagues who are part of the NSMD consortium.

Within the research consortium "New Science of Mental Disorders" (NSMD), researchers from several Dutch universities collaborate on a novel approach to mental health problems. The consortium investigates whether a network-based approach to mental disorders can improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of psychopathology. This specific NSMD project focuses on the role of fluctuations in self-esteem in relation to mental health problems. For more information about the research consortium New Science of Mental Disorders, see www.nsmd.eu.

Project background

Most clinical models view self-esteem as a relatively stable trait that ranges from low to high. However, recent research suggests that fluctuations in self-esteem over time (i.e., self-esteem variability) may be just as important, or even more important, in understanding mental health problems than overall self-esteem level. In this project, you will investigate whether and how self-esteem variability is related to mental health problems such as negative mood, worrying, and fear of negative evaluation. You will also examine whether a proof-of-concept intervention aimed at reducing self-esteem variability can reduce these associated mental health problems. To address these questions, you will analyse an existing dataset and collect new intensive longitudinal data yourself using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) in the context of a single-case experimental design (SCED) intervention study aimed at reducing self-esteem variability. In doing so, the project aims to contribute to a better understanding of the dynamic processes underlying mental health problems and their potential treatment.

What you do

As a PhD candidate, you will design and conduct this research project in close collaboration with your supervisors. Using intensive longitudinal data and network analysis methods, you will investigate how fluctuations in self-esteem relate to psychopathology and whether an intervention aimed at reducing these fluctuations can alleviate associated mental health problems. You will share your findings through scientific publications and presentations at relevant conferences. In addition, you will contribute to teaching activities within the Psychology and/or Brain Science programmes at Maastricht University.

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you. 

What you bring 
With your strong analytical skills, you confidently navigate complex longitudinal data and uncover meaningful patterns. Steady progress throughout the project is supported by your solid organizational and time management skills. Your interpersonal and communication skills foster smooth and effective collaboration within the NSMD consortium, while your excellent writing and presentation skills ensure that research findings are shared clearly and convincingly. 
Furthermore, you bring:

• Bachelor’s and (Research) Master’s degree in psychology; a specialization in clinical or social psychology is an advantage;
• Experience in advanced statistical analysis methods, preferably with experience in network analyses and the analysis of longitudinal data or a strong interest to learn this;
• Ability to conduct data collection using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and single-case experimental designs (SCED) is considered an asset;
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of Dutch is considered an asset.

For the successful fulfilment of this PhD position, candidates should either reside near Maastricht or be willing to relocate to the Maastricht area to ensure effective collaboration.

What we offer

At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer: 

• A 12-month contract (1,0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension, based on mutual satisfaction.
• A gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and € 3.881 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe. 

About the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN)
At FPN, we share a curiosity about the human brain and behaviour. Together with our students, we explore how our brains function and learn why we do what we do. We connect perspectives and contribute to living together in society.

Interested? 
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Prof. dr. C. Martijn via c.martijn@maastrichtuniversity.nl or dr. R. Hoekstra via ria.hoekstra@maastrichtuniversity.nl. The end date of the publication is 5 July 2026.

The interviews are planned on 21 & 22 July (1st round) and 28 & 29 July (2nd round).

An assignment (a short written assignment or presentation) may be part of the selection procedure.  

Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow. 

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.