PhD Student and Teaching Assistant in Brain and Cognition
The Brain & Cognition (B&C) Research Unit at KU Leuven’s Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences in Leuven is offering a PhD position combined with a teaching assistant role. The unit is renowned for its experimental and neuroscientific research into psychological functions such as perception, action, cognition (including learning and memory, attention, reasoning, categorisation, numerical cognition, cognitive control), and metacognition. Research is conducted at multiple levels, from behaviour and conscious experience to cognitive processes, development, plasticity, and biological bases.
This position is supervised by Dr. Bert Reynvoet and Professor Hans Op de Beeck, and centers on a project at the intersection of numerical processing and perceptual learning, employing neuroscientific techniques such as brain stimulation (TMS). As a doctoral researcher, you will drive a research project exploring perception and numerical cognition, with opportunities to develop research objectives, design and conduct behavioral and neurocognitive studies, collect and analyze data, and disseminate results through academic presentations and publications.
Teaching assistant duties include supporting courses in the domain of brain and cognition, developing and supervising practical sessions, and contributing to assignment assessments. In the first year, involvement includes courses such as Experimental Psychology, Methods of Scientific Research: Practicum, Academic Writing in Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Behavioral Neuroscience.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in psychology or biomedical sciences, have demonstrated academic excellence, and possess experience with research processes. A strong interest in cognitive neuroscience is essential. Candidates should be able to work independently and collaboratively in an international team, be results-oriented, and interested in teaching. Flexibility and efficient organisation are required. Dutch-speaking is mandatory for teaching support, alongside fluent English proficiency.
The position offers full-time employment as an assistant, with approximately two-thirds of time dedicated to doctoral research and one-third to teaching support. The initial appointment is for two years, extendable up to six years based on performance, with four years of effective research time. KU Leuven provides a competitive salary (scale 43), hospitalisation insurance, eco vouchers, reimbursement of commuting costs by public transport, affordable meals, and a KU Leuven bike. Professional development opportunities include literature study, seminars, workshops, and collaboration with leading researchers. Teaching assistants have access to training courses and information sessions to enhance didactic skills.
Applications must be submitted via KU Leuven’s online application tool by 25 June 2026. Interviews are scheduled for the following week. The preferred start date is 15 September 2026. For more information, contact Bert Reynvoet or Hans Op de Beeck by email. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, and offers support for accessibility and other needs.
