Mental imagery is increasingly recognized as a fundamental cognitive process that shapes emotional experience and contributes to mood disorders.
Compared with verbal thoughts, mental images evoke stronger emotional responses and may increase vulnerability to emotional distress.
Intrusive mental imagery has therefore emerged as an important transdiagnostic factor across psychological disorders. However, it remains unclear which characteristics of intrusive mental imagery (e.g. vividness, emotional intensity and perceived uncontrollability) are most clinically relevant and through which cognitive mechanisms they contribute to emotional distress and the persistence of mood disorders.
The overall aim of this project is to improve our understanding of the characteristics and cognitive mechanisms underlying intrusive mental imagery and to translate these insights into more targeted imagery-based psychological interventions.
Planned studies include a scoping review; experimental studies; qualitative interviews; and the development and evaluation of an imagery-based intervention.
Supervision Team
The project will be supervised by Dr. Jaël van Bentum, Prof. Elske Salemink, and Prof. Eline Regeer. The project is embedded in the Department of Clinical Psychology. The candidate will join the Dutch-Flemish Postgraduate School Experimental Psychopathology, which provides additional training and facilitates networking and collaboration with other researchers in the field of Experimental Psychopathology.
Your tasks
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designing and conducting a series of studies (including a scoping review, experimental laboratory research, qualitative interviews and intervention development);
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recruiting participants and coordinating data collection in laboratory and clinical settings;
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analysing quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate research methods;
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publishing your findings in international peer-reviewed journals and presenting your work at national and international conferences;
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collaborating with researchers at Utrecht University and with external clinical partners;
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contributing to teaching activities within the Department of Clinical Psychology (approximately 10% of your appointment).
We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a genuine interest in experimental psychopathology, cognitive mechanisms underlying mood disorders, and the development of innovative psychological interventions.
The ideal candidate:
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holds a (Research) Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, Experimental Psychopathology, or a closely related discipline;
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has experience with clinical and/or experimental psychopathology research;
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Experience working with clinical populations, conducting intervention studies, or recruiting participants in mental healthcare settings is considered an advantage;
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has experience with quantitative research methods and statistical analyses; experience with qualitative research is considered an advantage;
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has strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills;
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is able to work independently while also enjoying collaboration within a multidisciplinary research team;
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has excellent written and oral communication skills in English; proficiency in Dutch or the willingness to learn Dutch is considered an advantage, given the clinical component of the project.
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You are an enthusiastic team player who contributes to a positive and collaborative working environment.
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a job for for 1 year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
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a working week of 36-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 in the first year and €3,881 in the fourth year in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
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8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
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a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues.
The faculty strives for diversity among its employees and students and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, as can be read in Utrecht University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.
The faculty attaches great importance to the fact that its employees can be widely deployed in the university organization, now and in the future, to further professionalize the support of education and research. To encourage this, every employee is given the time and facilities – for example in the form of training – at some point in their career to participate in projects or work in other departments. Characteristics that the faculty considers important are involvement, the ability to collaborate and flexibility.
The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.
For more information, please contact dr. Jaël van Bentum by email: [email protected].
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
Interviews will take place on Monday August, 24th, 2026 and Tuesday August, 25th, 2026. Our preferred start date is October 1st, 2026.
