PHD Advanced Psychometric Model

PhD trajectory aimed at improving the identification and support of children with automation difficulties in arithmetic through the use of rich digital test data and advanced psychometric models. The project includes analysis of existing large datasets, simulation studies, and validation with newly collected data, with the aim of making results usable for teachers and implementing them in large-scale assessment practices.

• A (research) Master's in Social or Behavioral Sciences or an equivalent degree, with a strong affinity for Educational Science and Psychometrics.
• Experience working in R.
• Enthusiasm for writing scientific articles in English and motivation to write a dissertation.
• Excellent academic writing skills in English.
• The ability to communicate in Dutch (verbally and in writing) or willingness to learn Dutch.
• Enthusiasm for translating scientific insights into practical advice for (non-)academic target groups.
• Good organizational skills and motivation to organize and carry out data collection.

• Analyzing previously collected data from the Cito student monitoring system.
• Setting up computer simulations to investigate the capabilities and limitations of various psychometric models.
• Collecting and analyzing new test data from schools and individual students.
• Collaborating with teachers on interpreting and communicating test results.
• Publishing research results in international scientific journals.
• Presenting research findings to fellow scientists and project developers and collaborating within the project team.
• Conducting a limited number of educational activities, such as small-scale tutorials and guest lectures, in collaboration with the supervisors.

• Salary and employment conditions in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Year-end bonus of 8,3% and a holiday entitlement allowance of 8%.
• Temporary appointment for 1,0 FTE for four years, with a first-year period followed by extension after a positive performance review.
• Possibility to exchange working time for extra or fewer hours off (flexible arrangement of working hours).
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

The University of Groningen is a leading European university that promotes interdisciplinary research and collaboration with businesses, governments, and civil society organizations, and values ​​an open and inclusive academic community. You will be working at the Department of Orthopedagogics - Child & Family Care, within the core units Inclusive and Special Needs Education and Child and Family Welfare, which collaborate intensively in research and education. You will work alongside experts from Cito and the University of Twente within a research team dedicated to improving educational evaluation and classroom practice. The project is funded by the National Education Lab, and you will be supervised by Dr. Muirne Paap, Dr. Wendy Post, Dr. Remco Feskens, and Dr. Niek Frans.