PhD in Neuroscience and Psychology: Amotivation in Young People with Psychosis at KU Leuven KU Leuven in Belgium

KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Belgium, is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on understanding amotivation in young people with psychosis, with a special emphasis on approach–avoidance conflicts. The project investigates how amotivation develops and persists in youth with early psychosis, examining the roles of approach-avoidance conflicts, fear, and reward learning. Research methods include Virtual Reality, Experience Sampling Method (ESM), and experimental tasks, with opportunities to recruit patients and develop new assessment tools for motivational processes.

This position is part of a large-scale Methusalem research program aimed at developing interventions for negative symptoms in psychosis. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of psychologists, psychiatrists, and statisticians, and will benefit from a collaborative and supportive research environment.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Psychology, Mental Health, Psychiatry, or Social/Health Sciences, or be a resident in psychiatry. A strong research interest in psychosis, youth mental health, or fear/reward learning paradigms is essential. Experience with ESM or longitudinal study designs is advantageous. Proficiency in Dutch and English at C1 level is required. The application package should include a motivation letter, CV, diplomas and transcripts (BSc & MSc), and contact details of at least two references. A list of publications is optional.

The position offers a competitive PhD salary, with an initial 1-year contract renewable for up to 4 years after evaluation. The start date is flexible but must be no later than 1 July 2026. The application deadline is 16 March 2026. For more information or to apply, visit the KU Leuven Jobsite or contact Prof. Ruud van Winkel or Prof. Inez Myin-Germeys by email.