PhD: Developing methodological standards for studying the effectiveness of new digital interventions

KU Leuven; Belgique; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

KU Leuven in Belgium is offering a PhD student position within the eMotion program. You will work on data from VR-based EMI interventions for amotivation in psychosis, focusing on advanced statistical methods and MRT-driven EMI design.

The role involves analyzing ESM data, developing new quantitative methods, and publishing in international journals, collaborating with clinical and statistical researchers in a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology or related discipline and strong research interest.
• Solid experience with quantitative research methods and statistics.
• Experience with the Experience Sampling Method is desirable.
• Commitment to open science practices and proficient in English (C1).

Responsibilities

• Apply quantitative methods to analyze ESM data.
• Develop novel quantitative methods to construct EMIs and advance EMI-VR integration using MRTs.
• Write papers for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with researchers across ESM methodology, psychosis, and digital mental health lines.

Skills

Quantitative methods

Statistical analysis

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in psychology or related discipline

Job description

Educational sciences » Research methodology

Psychological sciences » Psychology

Psychological sciences » Behavioural sciences

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Educational sciences » Research methodology Psychological sciences » Psychology Psychological sciences » Behavioural sciences Neurosciences » Neuropsychology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 7 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-632 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

This research program uses Virtual Reality (VR) and the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) to examine the approach-avoidance mechanisms underlying amotivation, a core negative symptom of psychosis. A major advancement of the project is developing tailored interventions that combine EMIs with VR technology. As a PhD student, you will play a pivotal role in advancing statistical methodologies to optimize EMI design through MRTs, enhance EMI effectiveness by incorporating data from VR-based tasks, and develop rigorous measures to evaluate the clinical impact of the EMI-VR intervention framework.

Your Responsibilities:

• Apply quantitative methods to analyze ESM data, including time series analysis and multilevel modeling techniques.
• Develop novel quantitative methods to construct EMIs and advance the EMI-VR integration using MRTs.
• Write papers for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate closely with researchers across three research lines: (i) ESM methodology, statistics, and meta-science, (ii) Person-environment interactions in psychosis, and (iii) Development, efficacy testing, and implementation of Digital Mobile Mental Health.

This position is part of eMotion, a recently funded, large-scale research program aimed at creating new treatments for negative symptoms- among the most challenging aspects of psychiatric care. You will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of clinical psychologists, experimental psychologists, psychiatrists, and statisticians in an environment that fosters collaboration and scientific excellence.

The candidate holds a master's degree in psychology or a related discipline (e.g., Mental Health, Psychiatry, Social or Health Sciences) and has demonstrated a strong interest in research. Solid experience with quantitative research methods and strong statistical skills are essential. Prior experience with, or knowledge of, the Experience Sampling Method is highly desirable. The candidate should be committed to open - science practices and possess excellent written and spoken English skills (C1 proficiency level).

A contract for one year will be offered, which is renewable for another three years after a positive evaluation. Salaries for PhD students are competitive by international standards. The starting date is flexible, but no later than the first of March 2027.

For this application, the following information will be considered:

• Cover Letter (describing your motivation, research career goals, skills, and experience)
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
• Contact details of at least two reference persons
• Other information for consideration (e.g., a list of publications if applicable)

Research Field Educational sciences » Research methodology Years of Research Experience None

Additional Information

A contract for one year will be offered, which is renewable for another three years after a positive evaluation. Salaries for PhD students are competitive by international standards. The starting date is flexible, but no later than the first of March 2027.

Eligibility criteria

The candidate holds a master's degree in psychology or a related discipline (e.g., Mental Health, Psychiatry, Social or Health Sciences) and has demonstrated a strong interest in research. Solid experience with quantitative research methods and strong statistical skills are essential. Prior experience with, or knowledge of, the Experience Sampling Method is highly desirable. The candidate should be committed to open - science practices and possess excellent written and spoken English skills (C1 proficiency level).

Selection process

For this application, the following information will be considered:

• Cover Letter (describing your motivation, research career goals, skills, and experience)
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
• Contact details of at least two reference persons
• Other information for consideration (e.g., a list of publications if applicable)