Researcher in Methods and Statistics Specializing in Programming and Structural Equation Modeling

Are you an academic who works with structural equation modeling (SEM) Do you support open-science principles Do you use the open-source SEM package lavaan to conduct your research Do you want to contribute to programming the lavaan package with the goal of increasing its strength and scope Then we have the perfect challenge for you!

Advancing open SEM research.

You will join the Programme Group of Methods and Statistics at the Department of Child Development and Education at the University of Amsterdam where you will be supervised by a coauthor of the lavaan package. Your primary tasks will include programming in R and C as well as publishing tutorials for two types of audience: (a) applied researchers who can use lavaan for their SEMs and (b) methodological researchers who develop new SEM methods to be implemented in (extensions of) the lavaan package.

What are you going to do

In this role you will:

• write computer code using both C and R to refactor lavaans internal processes to improve speed modularity and scalability;
• investigate diagnostic properties (e.g. speed accuracy) of the updated lavaan package comparing performance to the current package;
• publish about the updated package in the Journal of Statistical Software as an update to Rosseels (2012) frequently cited paper introducing lavaan;
• develop documentation and educational materials with collaborators at other universities.
• Contribute to teaching tasks (1525% of the full-time appointment)

What do you have to offer

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher:

• with at least a masters degree (preferably a PhD) and extensive training in quantitative statistical methods (particularly SEM). A degree in behavioural sciences (e.g. psychology) is preferred but we welcome applications from other backgrounds (e.g. mathematics computer science) if they also have some familiarity with behavioural sciences;
• who can convert (statistical) algorithms to high-quality source code (at least in R but C is an asset);
• with experience working with version-control software like Git (preferably experience can be demonstrated with activity on a public repository like GitHub);
• with strong academic skills demonstrated by peer-reviewed empirical publications (or unpublished but institutionally archived thesis/dissertation) written in English (preferably as first author or at least with writing contributions indicated via the publications CRediT statement);
• with a strong commitment to practicing open-science demonstrated by using a public repository (e.g. the Open Science Framework) to host the SEM software code used for an empirical study (preferably utilizing lavaan).

What do we offer you

We offer a fixed-term employment contract for 38 hours per week (1.0 fte) beginning on or before September 1 2026 (starting as soon as possible after September 1 may be accommodated depending how soon the applicant can contribute to teaching). The position is initially for one year with the possibility of extension for a second year subject to a positive evaluation. However urgent financial and/or organisational reasons may be reason not to continue the employment contract. The position can be carried out on a part-time basis in which case the duration of the contract will be extended pro rata. The maximum duration of the project is four years. Your salary depending on relevant experience at the start of employment ranges from 3546 to 6433 gross per month (salary scale 10 - 11) based on full-time employment (38 hours per week) excluding an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (Cao Nederlandse Universiteiten) applies. There is a working budget that will allow for international travel to attend conferences and workshops.

We offer:

• A role in which initiative and input are highly valued;
• An enthusiastic and welcoming team that is open to new colleagues and enjoys computers research methods and statistics;
• An inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
• A large (inter)national network of SEM researchers;
• An opportunity to help shape the future of the lavaan ecosystem.

You will work here

under the direct supervision of Dr. T. D. (Terrence) Jorgensen and frequent remote collaboration with key project members: Prof. Dr. Y. (Yves) Rosseel at Ghent University and Dr. F. (Florian) Schuberth at University of Twente. You will work on site (possibly working remotely some days) in the Methods and Statistics programme: one of the 7 programme groups of the Department of Child Development and Education in the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Methods and Statistics consists of 12 members who teach and do research in statistics and psychometrics dedicated to child development and education.

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role we look forward to receiving your:

• motivation letter explaining the fit between you and this position
• CV including contact information for references (letters are welcome but not necessary)
• Any additional documentation of required experience (for example transcripts of relevant coursework and degrees)

You can apply via the red button until May 17 2026. Interviews will be scheduled to begin in early case of equal qualifications internal candidates will be given preference over external candidates.

• Dr. T. D. (Terrence) Jorgensen ()