Fully funded PhD position: Inequalities in AI skills in education KU Leuven in Belgium

This fully funded PhD position at KU Leuven is part of the ERC-project ChatEQUITY, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and educational inequality. The successful candidate will conduct a statistical study of AI skills among students and teachers in Flanders, with a particular emphasis on social inequalities. The research aims to understand how disparities in AI competencies contribute to broader educational inequalities, and will involve advanced quantitative methods, including multilevel mediation regression analysis using PISA data.

Over the four-year appointment, the PhD fellow will be expected to publish research articles in international journals, present findings at conferences, and contribute to the organization of academic workshops. The position also includes a minor teaching component (up to 10% of time) in the Bachelor's or Master's programs in Psychological and/or Educational Sciences. The research will be conducted within a diverse and supportive team, offering ample opportunities for professional development and international collaboration.

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Educational Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Communication Sciences, Economics, or a related field, and must have experience with advanced statistical analysis. Fluency in English and a willingness to work at least four days per week in Leuven are required. Students graduating in summer 2026 are also eligible to apply. The application process requires submission of a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and a brief research paper (with analysis code) demonstrating statistical skills relevant to the project.

The position offers full-time employment as a PhD fellow for one year, with the possibility of extension for three additional years upon positive evaluation, totaling four years of funding. The start date is no later than September 1, 2026 (or October 1, 2026, if necessary). KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. For further information, prospective applicants may contact Prof. dr. Orhan Agirdag or Dr. Anouk Van Der Wildt via the provided email addresses.

Application deadline: June 25, 2026. Early applications are encouraged. For more details and to apply, visit the official job posting.