PhD: Developing a gold standard for the real-time assessment of negative symptoms in young people with psychosis

Join the Center for Contextual Psychiatry (CCP) and the Methodology of Educational Science Research Group (CMPO) at KU Leuven, one of Europe’s leading research universities, for a PhD focused on developing gold-standard real-time assessment tools for negative symptoms in young people with psychosis. The CCP, within the Department of Neurosciences, is internationally recognized for its expertise in Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) in mental health research, led by Prof. Inez Myin-Germeys. The CMPO, part of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, is renowned for advanced statistical modeling and research methodology, under the leadership of Prof. Ginette Lafit. You will be part of the Methusalem program, a long-term initiative dedicated to innovative interventions for negative symptoms of psychosis. This PhD project centers on developing and psychometrically validating ESM items to assess amotivation—a core negative symptom in psychosis—using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The project addresses the challenge that many ESM items currently lack formal evaluation and known psychometric properties. You will apply advanced statistical techniques, including time series analysis and multilevel modeling, to analyze ESM data and evaluate item validity. The work will contribute to the ESM Item Repository and support the development of digital interventions for youth mental health. Responsibilities include analyzing ESM data, developing novel quantitative methods for item functioning, evaluating psychometric properties, writing papers for international journals, and collaborating across research lines in ESM methodology, person-environment interactions, and digital mobile mental health. The position is part of a recently funded, large-scale research program aimed at creating new treatments for negative symptoms, joining a dynamic team of clinical psychologists, experimental psychologists, psychiatrists, and statisticians. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in psychology or a related discipline (Mental Health, Psychiatry, Social or Health Sciences), have strong quantitative research and statistical skills, and ideally be familiar with psychometrics and mixed-methods approaches. Experience with the Experience Sampling Method is highly desirable. Commitment to open-science practices and excellent English skills (C1 level) are required. The contract is for one year, renewable for three more years after positive evaluation, with competitive salaries. The starting date is flexible but no later than July 1, 2026. Interviews will be held on March 30 and April 2. To apply, use the KU Leuven job portal and submit a cover letter, CV, diploma and transcripts, contact details for at least two reference persons, and any other relevant information (such as publications). For questions, contact Prof. Ginette Lafit or Prof. Inez Myin-Germeys. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, and offers support for accessibility and accommodations.