Bart Boets

This PhD position is part of the OBI-TRANSCEND project, embedded within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) TRANSCEND Doctoral Network and hosted at KU Leuven (University of Leuven) in Belgium. The project investigates the neurophysiological mechanisms and clinical efficacy of intranasal oxytocin administration as a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating socio-communicative and stress-related difficulties in individuals with autism. The research will employ multi-modal neuroimaging techniques, including functional and anatomical MRI, to study both acute and repeated oxytocin administration. A key objective is to identify mediating factors of treatment response, such as symptom severity, hormonal profiles, epigenetic regulation of the oxytocin receptor gene, neuroimaging markers, and stress- and resilience-related indicators. The project also includes a qualitative research component, exploring participants’ expectations and perceptions of oxytocin administration through semi-structured interviews and assessments. The doctoral researcher will be based at the Neuromodulation Laboratory within the Rehabilitation Sciences Department at KU Leuven, working in a multidisciplinary and internationally collaborative environment. The position offers high-level training, workshops, and research visits within Europe, including secondments at the University of Amsterdam and University of Bielefeld. The successful candidate will join a vibrant academic community and benefit from KU Leuven’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Funding is provided for up to four years, with the aim of completing a PhD. Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree, have experience with MRI analysis and data programming, and meet strict MSCA eligibility criteria, including mobility rules. The anticipated start date is January or February 2026. Interested candidates should apply online and may contact Prof. dr. Kaat Alaerts for further information.

KU Leuven invites applications for two fully funded, full-time PhD positions as part of an ambitious FWO project exploring early touch and parent–infant synchrony in preterm infants. The research is led by Prof. Gunnar Naulaers (Neonatology, UZ/KU Leuven) and Prof. Bart Boets (Center for Developmental Psychiatry, KU Leuven), in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team spanning neonatology and obstetrics. The project investigates how early non-separation and immediate kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact) can support the development of self-regulation and social connectedness in very preterm infants, whose early experiences in the NICU often disrupt these processes. Through a randomized controlled trial and longitudinal follow-up at NICU, 6 months, and 14 months, the research combines behavioral, physiological (EEG, ECG), and hormonal (oxytocin, cortisol) measures to uncover developmental mechanisms and inform future NICU practices. The project offers two complementary PhD trajectories: one with a medical focus (implementation of non-separation and kangaroo care, data collection in NICU) and one with a developmental/analytical focus (follow-up measurements, data analysis, and modelling). Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Medicine, Obstetrics, Midwifery, Psychology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field. The medical focus requires flexibility and experience to support preterm deliveries, while the developmental focus values experience or motivation to learn psychophysiological methods, programming (R, Python, Matlab), and advanced statistics. Candidates must demonstrate strong English academic writing skills and sufficient Dutch proficiency for family interactions. Motivation for infant research and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are essential. The positions are full-time, initially for one year and renewable for up to four years, with a competitive salary according to university standards. The anticipated start date is September 2026 or later by agreement. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. To apply, submit your application before July 1st via email to [email protected] and through the KU Leuven electronic application system. Include a motivation letter, full CV (with detailed university study results), and contact information for at least two referees. Job interviews are scheduled for July 6 or 7, with results communicated soon after. For further information, contact Prof. Bart Boets ([email protected]) or Prof. Gunnar Naulaers ([email protected]). This project offers a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of neonatology, developmental psychology, and neuroscience, contributing to improved outcomes for preterm infants and their families.