Two positions for Attachment: In vivo, in silico, in theory

Job Opportunity: Computational Behavioral Scientist / Behaviorally Oriented Computer Scientist

Babies develop trust in their caregivers in their first year of life, a foundational trust that facilitates their exploration and learning. Understanding the development of attachment and the diverse attachment relationships that form due to varying levels of caregiver responsiveness remains a pivotal research area. Our project invites you to utilize innovative techniques for an automated, long-term measurement of attachment and caregiver-child interaction within the home environment. Your work will involve video, audio, position tracking, and physiological data (the 'in vivo' aspect). From this, you will create a computational, agent-based model that elucidates the process of attachment development and explains variations in attachment relationships (the 'in silico' dimension), furthering the attachment theory foundation established by John Bowlby in the 1950s (the 'in theory' approach).

You will collaborate with researchers skilled in attachment, computational social science, early life social interaction and neuroscience, behavioral AI, and parenting support. Within the Generations2- cohort study, a sample of infants and caregivers from Amsterdam will be recruited to explore the development of early human bonds. Workshops and work visits in London, Cambridge, Glasgow, and Amsterdam will provide you with experience in using wearables and equipment for home and lab-based research.

Your Profile

We seek candidates who:

• Want to broaden their skills beyond primary training in social and behavioral sciences or computer sciences and technology.
• Are comfortable with coding in R, Python, or Matlab.
• Enjoy team collaboration.
• Demonstrate strong academic writing skills.
• Are eager to merge reading, coding, and writing with engaging families, bridging science and practice.
• Are proficient in academic English and can use Dutch with research participants (at least B1 level or advancing).
• Show an interest in human-oriented technology.

We strive for equal opportunities, recognizing that diversity in various forms enriches our teaching, research, and service quality. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

What We Offer

Joining VU Amsterdam gives you the opportunity to contribute to education, research, and service, aiming for a better world. We provide:

• A gross salary between €2,770 and €3,539 per month for full-time employment (PhD position).
• A contract initially for one year, extendable to four years, culminating in a dissertation.

Additional benefits include:

• 232 holiday leave hours per year for a full 38-hour work week (additional for a 40-hour week), pro rata for part-time.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Discount and exclusive access to cultural and sports facilities.
• Commuting expense contributions.

About Us

The "Development of Infant-Caregiver Attachment: In vivo, in silico, in theory" project, awarded by NWO, is led by Carlo Schuengel (VU) and Pasco Fearon (University of Cambridge), alongside collaborators Lianne Bakkum (VU), Sam Wass (University of East London), Alastair van Weerden (SSHRC South Africa), Marwa Mahmoud (University of Glasgow), Mirjam Oosterman (VU), Helen Minnis (University of Glasgow), and Frederike Scheper (Kabouterhuis Amsterdam).

We address fundamental challenges within attachment theory and measurement, aiming to harbor new perspectives and methodologies to advance understanding.

"The interdisciplinary nature of the project is both its strength and its challenge. We bridge the gap between theory and practical applications in infant-caregiver attachment, providing a fresh perspective on longstanding theories."
Carlo Schuengel, Project Lead

Clinical Child and Family Studies aims to foster equitable developmental outcomes for children, integrating knowledge on caregiving relationships with practitioners and society. This project aligns with societal collaboration for lasting impact.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at VU Amsterdam pursues a mission towards active, healthy, and meaningful lives, focussing on behavior and health. We integrate interdisciplinary approaches across psychology, movement sciences, and education, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and movement.

Interested?

If this position aligns with your interests and you believe your experience will contribute to our goals, we encourage you to apply.

Note: Submissions via email will not be considered.