Reference number: PAR 2026/247
Host Institution: University of Gothenburg, Department of Psychology
Application Deadline: 20-04-2026
Employment Start Date: To be confirmed
This doctoral position is part of the INTER-ACT-II project, an add-on to the EU-funded MCMA Consortium on Healthy Adaptation to Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Parenthood (HAP3).
The PhD research focuses on:
Reducing emotional distress and preventing perinatal mental health issues (e.g., postpartum depression and anxiety) in pregnant and postpartum women
Conducting a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) across Sweden and Belgium
Activities include participant recruitment, online group coaching, assessments, data analysis, and scientific writing
The student will be part of the Clinical Psychology section at the Department of Psychology and will collaborate closely with the Belgian research team led by Dr. Annick Bogaerts.
Conduct quantitative research, analyze outcomes, and publish scientific articles
Participate in doctoral courses (primary thesis work is the focus; course credits expected ~60 HEC)
May perform departmental duties up to 20% of full-time work (teaching, research assistance, administration)
Basic eligibility:
Completed a second-cycle (master’s) degree
At least 240 higher education credits (60 in second-cycle courses)
Specific eligibility:
At least 90 HEC first-cycle courses in psychology
At least 60 HEC second-cycle courses in psychology (15 HEC in scientific methods, 15 HEC thesis)
Equivalent knowledge acquired abroad is acceptable
Excellent spoken and written Swedish and English
Merits / advantages:
Experience in clinical psychology or perinatal health
Previous research, quantitative data analysis, and scientific writing
Interest in stress-related and clinical psychology research
Applicants will be assessed based on:
Ability to complete doctoral studies
Interpersonal skills and ability to work with pregnant women, healthcare professionals, and international researchers
Research experience and scientific writing
Personal motivation and suitability
Apply via the University of Gothenburg recruitment portal. Required documents:
Personal letter (motivation)
CV, including research experience
Copies of bachelor’s and master’s theses
Academic transcripts and documentation of qualifications
Contact details of references
Note: Physical presence in Sweden is required. If a residence permit is needed, it must be valid at the start of the program.
Employment as a doctoral student under Swedish rules (SFS 1993:100)
Initial contracts up to 1 year, renewable up to 2 years at a time
Maximum employment corresponds to four years full-time doctoral studies
Salary set according to local doctoral student agreements
Project contact: Anja Huizink – anja.huizink@gu.se
Doctoral programme administrator: Ann Backlund – ann.backlund@psy.gu.se | +46 31 786 1637
In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com