Sara Scheveneels

The Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology (CLEP) at KU Leuven, Belgium, offers a fully-funded PhD position focused on learning processes in the onset and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). KU Leuven is a leading European research university, and CLEP is renowned for its work in cognitive and learning processes related to anxiety, depression, and addiction. The research group emphasizes both basic and translational research, ranging from animal studies to clinical trials with patients. This PhD project, supervised by Professor Sara Scheveneels, investigates the mechanisms underlying PTSD development and treatment. The first phase involves laboratory-based fear conditioning paradigms with healthy volunteers, using established human fear conditioning procedures to explore how learning processes contribute to PTSD. The second phase translates findings to a high-risk population—police officers—through collaboration with Police Zone Antwerp. The project will assess whether learning processes measured during virtual reality simulations after exposure to traumatic incidents can predict subsequent PTSD symptoms. Additionally, the effectiveness of virtual reality–based exposure therapy for treating PTSD in police officers will be evaluated. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in psychology and demonstrate outstanding academic performance. Preferred qualifications include proficiency in data analysis (advanced techniques advantageous), programming skills (Python or MATLAB), strong English communication skills (oral and written), and knowledge of Dutch. Experience in human fear conditioning and a genuine interest in learning psychology are advantageous. The ideal candidate is proactive, collaborative, flexible, organized, and able to work autonomously with a critical and curious mindset. The position offers a 4-year joint PhD scholarship (initial one-year appointment, extended upon satisfactory performance), professional development through doctoral training, participation in national and international conferences, workshops, teaching, and collaboration within a dynamic and creative environment. CLEP is a partner of the Dutch-Flemish postgraduate school Experimental Psychopathology (EPP), providing access to additional courses and workshops in clinical psychology and psychopathology. Clinical activities at the PraxisP faculty practice center are also available for interested candidates. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, fostering a respectful and socially safe environment. The start date for the position is September 7, 2026. For more information, contact Prof. dr. Sara Scheveneels at [email protected]. Apply online via the KU Leuven job portal before the deadline of June 10, 2026.

This PhD position is part of a collaborative project between the Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology (CLEP) at KU Leuven and the Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology (LEP) at UCLouvain. The research aims to investigate whether mindfulness can enhance exposure therapy for anxiety disorders, focusing on the mechanisms by which mindfulness may reduce avoidance strategies and improve therapeutic outcomes. The project combines laboratory experiments, controlled studies with individuals experiencing elevated anxiety, and clinical trials to follow patients during real treatment. The PhD candidate will spend the first two years at KU Leuven, a leading research university in Belgium, and the final two years at UCLouvain, another prominent institution. The research teams at both universities are multidisciplinary, integrating expertise from cognitive and affective neuroscience, clinical psychology, sport and exercise psychology, neuropsychology, and behavioral psychology. Supervisors include Professor Sara Scheveneels (extinction learning and exposure therapy), Professor Filip Raes (mindfulness-based interventions), Professor Damien Brevers (exposure therapy and clinical psychology), and Professor Emeritus Pierre Philippot (emotion regulation and mindfulness). The project addresses a key challenge in exposure therapy: the tendency for patients to engage in subtle avoidance strategies, which can undermine learning that feared situations are safe. Mindfulness is hypothesized to help by fostering openness and calm responding, potentially leading to better outcomes. The research will explore these mechanisms through a combination of basic and clinical studies, offering a comprehensive translational approach. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in psychology, demonstrate outstanding academic performance, and possess strong data analysis skills. Advanced techniques are preferred but not mandatory. Excellent English communication skills are required, and knowledge of Dutch and French is advantageous. The ideal candidate is proactive, collaborative, flexible, and able to work autonomously, with a genuine interest in the psychology of learning, mindfulness, and psychopathology. The position offers a fully-funded, 4-year joint PhD scholarship, starting with a one-year appointment and extension upon satisfactory performance. The candidate will join the KU Leuven Doctoral School for the Humanities and Social Sciences and UCLouvain Psycheduc doctoral school, with opportunities for training, skills development, and attendance at international workshops and conferences. The research group is a partner of the Dutch-Flemish postgraduate school Experimental Psychopathology (EPP), providing access to additional courses and workshops. KU Leuven and UCLouvain are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The environment is supportive, respectful, and socially safe, with open dialogue and recognition of historical inequalities. The start date for the position is September 7, 2026, and the application deadline is June 10, 2026. For further information, applicants are encouraged to contact Prof. dr. Sara Scheveneels or Prof. dr. Filip Raes by email.