Vacancy number: 16746
Job type: Academic staff
Contract hours min: 38
Contract hours max: 38
Location: Leiden
Applying is possible up to and including: 16 augustus 2026
Assistant Professor (Neuro-)Psychology
Do you have a passion for scientific research and academic education in the field of (neuro-)psychology? This role as an assistant professor might be right for you.
What you will do
The Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology unit of Leiden University’s Institute for Psychology has an immediate opening for an Assistant Professor (0.8–1.0 FTE) with a 60% teaching and 40% research workload, for a period of 2 years (in accordance with CLA article 2.3-6b replacement). The duties include:
- Conducting scientific research within the department’s existing research themes
- Initiating and contributing to grant proposals (national and international) to establish new research projects and sustainable collaborations
- Teaching in the department’s bachelor’s and master’s programs, including coordinating courses and course components, as well as thesis and internship supervision
Where you will work
This position is embedded in the Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology unit. Within this team, the emphasis is on a multidisciplinary and innovative approach. In terms of research, we focus on studying, preventing, and influencing the psychological and neuropsychological aspects of health problems. There is a specific emphasis on the relationship between biopsychosocial processes (e.g., cognitions, emotions, and behavior; psychophysiological stress systems; brain activity) and health outcomes. We focus on both health prevention and promotion as well as the diagnosis and treatment of the psychological aspects of somatic disorders or brain injury. For this position, we are specifically seeking to strengthen the sub-theme “Diagnostics and Interventions for Neurocognitive Disorders,” which focuses on technological developments in (clinical) neuropsychology; however, connections with other themes within the department are also highly welcome. In terms of education, the curriculum is focused on training scientist-practitioners who are equipped to thoroughly assess and utilize methodological and technological developments in their future professional careers.
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences consists of five institutes: Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Political Science, and Psychology. The faculty has approximately 7000 students and 1000 staff members. Within the institutes, not only education is provided but also groundbreaking research is conducted that pushes the boundaries of our understanding of human behaviour and societal structures. What makes our faculty unique is the diversity of research topics, the various styles of teaching, and the way professional support is organized; this provides you with the opportunity to explore and develop your interests and expertise. Visit our website for an impression: Welcome to the Leiden Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences - Leiden University.
The Institute of Psychology educates new generations to contribute to the challenges of our society, now and in the future, based on leading behavioral scientific research and education. This is achieved through collaboration both within and outside our institute in the field of Psychology and related research areas, both fundamental and applied. The broad bachelor's program and a wide variety of master's specializations also contribute to this goal. Within the institute and the academic community, there is a committed and passionate atmosphere. The themes of Health and Well-being, Social-Cognitive-Affective Decision Making, Development and Learning, and Advanced Behavioral Research Methods guide research and education. The institute values conducting these activities in a safe and inclusive environment and provides space for new developments such as Open Science, Recognition and Reward, and interdisciplinarity, which are anchored in its strategy. With approximately 5,000 students and 600 staff members, the institute includes the Institute Office, the Department of Bachelor Education, and 6 units for education and research: Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Social, Economic and Organisational Psychology, and Methodology and Statistics.
What you bring
We’re looking for someone who can work independently on this team. Every role is different, so we’ll focus on training you at the start. If certain tasks are new to you, we’ll work together to identify your needs and create a development plan. This role is a good fit for you if you have the following:
- PhD in (neuro)psychology or a related field
- Excellent scientific background, evidenced by a strong publication record, grants, and academic skills
- Affinity with the existing research lines within the Department of Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology, as described above
- Demonstrable experience and affinity for teaching academic courses
- Clinical experience and/or registration are preferred, as is a strong clinical network for collaboration
- Possession of BKO certification is preferred
- Team player, good communication skills
If you immediately recognise yourself in this profile, or if do you not quite meet all the requirements, but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!
What we offer
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.
You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.
We also offer:
- An employment contract for the duration of two years (in accordance with CLA article 2.3-6b replacement), and a possible extension of one year. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
- A salary between €4728 - €6433 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Scale 11);
- A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
- Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
- Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
- Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
- If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
- A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone.
For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions
What we value
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.
Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.
If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Rebecca Schaefer, at [email protected]. You can apply until 16 augustus 2026; applications will be processed immediately.
To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions
- We believe mobility is very important. That is why we are also publishing this vacancy internally. In case of equal suitability, we will give priority to the internal candidate.
- A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
- Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid
