Offer DescriptionPhD Researcher Blue psychologyJoin our research team as a PhD researcher, working on the role of emotional and emotion regulation mechanisms for health and wellbeing.BackgroundOur society evolves towards a sedentary lifestyle disconnected from nature and living in (sub)urban areas. To date, adults spend about 20% of their time outdoors. For children this figure shrinks to only 9%. Research indicates that exposure to natural environments revitalizes individuals and contributes to better mental health, less illness and longer life expectancy. Although much of the existing research in this field focuses on green environments, studies on blue environments, such as coastal landscapes, are rapidly gaining traction. Recent research, including studies conducted by VLIZ, demonstrates that residing near the coast or having direct or indirect exposure to coastal areas correlates with higher levels of physical and mental well-being. At VLIZ, for example, we investigate the underlying emotional mechanisms driving this relationship between coastal exposure and well-being. Our focus lies in understanding the emotional impact of coastal landscapes on individuals and exploring the emotion-regulatory effects of coastal exposure.Project goalThis project will be performed in collaboration with Flemish university research groups. We will make use of cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental studies. The main focus of the research will be on the emotional and emotion-regulation mechanisms explaining the link between the blue environment and wellbeing.Candidate PROFILE
MSc in Psychological or Social Sciences or equivalent, with an interest in experimental design and analysis of large datasets.
Experience with the analysis of large datasets and with R open software is a plus.
Experience with research on the (marine) environment and human health or wellbeing is a plus.
Knowledge of scientific method and of the marine environment are a plus.
Critical and creative.
Scientifically integer.
Open minded and taking initiative.
Passionate scientist, keen to learn new skills and develop excellent research.
Strong interpersonal skills, a motivated team player.
Willing to work in an international context.
Good oral and written English communication skills.
Academic writing skills are a plus.
Knowledge of Dutch is recommended, willingness to learn Dutch is necessary to work with surveys.
Knowledge of statistics.
Main responsibilities
To plan and perform a research project on the emotional and emotion-regulation mechanisms explaining the link between the blue environment and wellbeing. This involves the planning and organization of interviews, surveys, experiments, sample and data processing, data analysis and interpretation.
To take initiative to discuss planning and report progress to the head of the research unit and collaborating scientists.
To write high quality research manuscripts for submitting to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
To supervise BSc and MSc students for job student, internship, or thesis work.
To interact and collaborate with colleagues at VLIZ to increase interdisciplinarity in various research projects.
To possibly contribute to research and innovation projects in collaboration with partners from the Blue Economy.
To present research at national and international conferences.
To network at national and international level with other (marine) scientists.
To contribute to events organized by the Department or the Institute, such as the VLIZ Marine Science Day.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, collaborative and excellent professionalism, and integrity as important characteristics.OUR OFFER
According to the enrolment rules of Ghent University, there will be an evaluation after the first year. More information about doctoral research at Ghent University can be found here:
A competitive remuneration package based on the candidate's qualifications and experience according to the salary scales set forth by the Flemish Government on 01-01-2009.
Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers, bicycle allowance, bicycle lease, free public transport between home and work.
You will have access to an additional hospitalisation health insurance via VLIZ.
A good work-life balance including flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week and the possibility to work partly from home.
Opportunities for personal development (training).
ABOUT USOver the last 25 years, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) has become a knowledge institution indispensable to the marine research landscape. What started as an institute focusing on science support, has evolved into a national and international point of contact for marine research. VLIZ initiates and carries out multidisciplinary research and supports marine experts by providing research infrastructure, data, information and knowledge. VLIZ supports the blue economy and reaches out to a broad public. VLIZ further broadens its marine horizons and aims at becoming a world player in the field of marine and coastal research.A stimulating working environment forms the base of our flourishing knowledge institute. The well-being of our employees comes first. VLIZ is looking for colleagues who, with their passion and knowledge, want to strengthen our growing institute and face the blue challenges of the future.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFor more information concerning this vacancy, please contact Gert Everaert, head of the research unit Ocean & Humen Health research unit: .DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?Send in your CV, cover letter and overview of study results (transcript of records) no later than 16th June 2024:
By post: Jan Mees, General director, InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Oostende
By mail:
with subject “Vacancy 2024_010_PhD Researcher Blue psychology”You can contact us by telephone on +32 (0)59 33 60 00.VLIZ promotes equality and diversity in the workplace. You will be recruited based on competencies. Qualities of people are decisive, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, or any disability.Do you have a disability? Please attach a document to your application so that we can adapt our selection procedure where necessary. This information will be handled with discretion.PROCEDUREBased on the received cover letters and CV's, a select group of candidates will be invited for a job interview in the course of June. You will be informed by email. The job interviews take place in the offices of VLIZ (or online if necessary) on 9th July 2024.Employment can start immediately after the selection procedure and ideally not later than 1st October 2024.Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee vzw Flanders Marine InstituteInnovOcean Campus Jacobsenstraat 1 8400 OostendeT: +32 (0)59 33 60 00RequirementsResearch Field Psychological sciences » Psychology Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Sociology » Societal behaviour Education Level Master Degree or equivalentSkills/Qualifications
Experience with the analysis of large datasets and with R open software is a plus.
Experience with research on the (marine) environment and human health or wellbeing is a plus.
Knowledge of scientific method and of the marine environment are a plus.
Critical and creative.
Scientifically integer.
Open minded and taking initiative.
Passionate scientist, keen to learn new skills and develop excellent research.
Strong interpersonal skills, a motivated team player.
Willing to work in an international context.
Good oral and written English communication skills.
Academic writing skills are a plus.
Knowledge of Dutch is recommended, willingness to learn Dutch is necessary to work with surveys.
Knowledge of statistics.
Languages DUTCH Level BasicLanguages ENGLISH Level GoodResearch Field Sociology » Societal behaviourPsychological sciences » Behavioural sciences Years of Research Experience 1 - 4Additional InformationWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Flanders Marine Institute Country Belgium State/Province West Vlaanderen City Oostende Postal Code 8400 Street Jacobsenstraat 1Where to apply E-mailjobs@vliz.beContact CityOostende WebsiteStreetJacobsenstraat 1 Postal Code8400 E-Mailjobs@vliz.be Phone003259336000STATUS: EXPIRED