PhD Candidate 'Clinical and Preclinical Research into Pharmacological Treatments for Gambling Disorder'

Since the legalization of online gambling in the Netherlands in 2021, there has been significant attention on the consequences of gambling problems and the need for innovative, effective treatments. In this study, we investigate promising pharmacological treatments for gambling disorder, combining clinical research in humans with preclinical research in an animal model.

For this project, we are looking for an ambitious and driven PhD candidate to coordinate and conduct this research. You will work together with a multidisciplinary team of (animal) researchers, clinical experts, and experts by experience, within a broad research consortium focused on improving the treatment of gambling disorder.

As a PhD candidate, you are responsible for the preparation, coordination, and execution of the study. For the clinical study, you will maintain contact with the participating addiction care institutions and coordinate recruitment, data collection, and follow-up. Additionally, you will contribute to the preclinical research into potential pharmacological treatments for gambling disorder in an animal model. You will analyze the collected data using advanced statistical methods to investigate the effectiveness of the pharmacological treatments and to gain insight into factors that influence treatment outcomes.

You will translate the research results into scientific publications and presentations for national and international audiences. The research forms the basis for your dissertation and contributes to the development of more effective treatments for people with a gambling disorder.

• A challenging doctoral trajectory in which you combine clinical research in humans with preclinical animal research into new pharmacological treatments for gambling disorder, offering the opportunity to directly improve the treatment of people with a gambling disorder.
• A doctoral trajectory of five years (60 months) for 0.92 fte.
• Collaboration within a national, multidisciplinary consortium with leading research institutes, addiction care institutions, and experts by experience.
• Space for scientific development, with opportunities to publish research results in international scientific journals, to present them at (inter)national congresses, and to contribute to (post-academic) educational programs.

You are a motivated and curious researcher with a sharp analytical eye, a proactive attitude, and strong communication skills. You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team and feel at home at the intersection of clinical and preclinical research.

• The intended start date of the project is 1 January 2027.
• Scaling is dependent on previous education. For a medical doctor (completed studies in
  Medicine), scale 10 applies. For other fields of study, scaling
  in scale 10A applies.
• The first round of interviews will take place on Friday 4 December in the morning.
• A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required for this position.

We are recruiting for this vacancy ourselves. We do not appreciate acquisition; however, sharing within your network is welcome.