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KU Leuven

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PhD in methodological standards for digital interventions, ESM, and micro-randomized trials KU Leuven in Belgium

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Psychology

Funding

PhD contract for one year, renewable for another three years after positive evaluation. Salaries are competitive by international standards. Start date is flexible but no later than 2027-03-01.

Deadline

Dec 7, 2026

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Country

Belgium

University

KU Leuven

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Keywords

Psychology
Cognitive Science
Time Series Analysis
Virtual Reality
Neuropsychology
Medical Science
Hierarchical Modeling
Sampling Methods
Psychosis
Statistics
Methodologie

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About this position

KU Leuven is advertising a PhD position in developing methodological standards for studying the effectiveness of new digital interventions (ref. BAP-2026-632). The position is based in Leuven, Belgium, within an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Methodology of Educational Science Research Group (CMPO) and the Center for Contextual Psychiatry (CCP).

The project sits at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, statistics, and digital mental health. It focuses on the eMotion project, which uses Virtual Reality (VR) and the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) to study approach-avoidance mechanisms underlying amotivation, a negative symptom of psychosis. The PhD researcher will help develop a statistical framework for optimizing Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMIs) using Micro-Randomized Trials (MRTs), improve EMI-VR integration, and evaluate clinical impact.

Responsibilities include quantitative analysis of ESM data, time series analysis, multilevel modeling, developing novel methods for EMI design, writing journal papers, and collaborating across research lines in ESM methodology, psychosis, and digital mobile mental health.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in psychology or a related field (Mental Health, Psychiatry, Social or Health Sciences), have strong quantitative and statistical skills, and ideally have prior ESM experience. The post also asks for commitment to open science and C1-level English.

The contract is for one year, renewable for up to three additional years after positive evaluation. Salary is described as competitive by international standards. The start date is flexible but must be no later than 1 March 2027.

To apply, use the KU Leuven online job portal and submit a cover letter, CV, diploma and transcripts (BSc and MSc), contact details for at least two referees, and any relevant publication list. Questions about the position can be directed to Prof. Ginette Lafit at [email protected].

Funding details

PhD contract for one year, renewable for another three years after positive evaluation. Salaries are competitive by international standards. Start date is flexible but no later than 2027-03-01.

What's required

Master’s degree in psychology or a related discipline such as Mental Health, Psychiatry, Social Sciences, or Health Sciences; strong interest in research; solid experience with quantitative research methods and strong statistical skills; prior experience with or knowledge of Experience Sampling Method is highly desirable; commitment to open-science practices; excellent written and spoken English at C1 level.

How to apply

Apply through the university’s job portal online application tool. Prepare a cover letter, CV, BSc and MSc diploma/transcripts, contact details for at least two referees, and any relevant publication list. For questions about the position, contact Prof. Ginette Lafit by email.

More information can be found here

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