Kaat Alaerts

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.