PhD position in ecological momentary assessment and addiction research (ERC Starting Grant)
The Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) is internationally recognized for research and teaching quality in many different fields of expertise.
Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position (4 years) within the ERC Starting Grant project BodyCrave, with Dr. Mateo Leganes-Fonteneau as research lead. The project examines the interoceptive mechanisms supporting addictive disorders. This specific PhD project focuses on the use of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to study craving dynamics in Alcohol Use Disorder and Tobacco Use Disorder, and to evaluate interventions targeting bodily processes within a randomized controlled trial framework.
The successful candidate will join a newly established research team under the ERC Starting Grant BodyCrave. The position is embedded within the Alcohol Research Group of the Louvain Experimental Psychopathology Research Group (https://www.uclep.be/ARL/home) and involves close collaboration with Prof. Pierre Maurage’s team. The project integrates clinical research, intensive longitudinal data collection, and advanced statistical modeling.
Your profile
* Master’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Clinical Psychology, or a related discipline
* Training or experience in clinical research, clinical psychology, or work with patients with substance use disorders
* Strong interest in ecological momentary assessment, intensive longitudinal designs, and intervention research
* Strong quantitative skills, including statistical analysis of longitudinal data and coding experience (e.g., R, Python, or similar)
* Experience with network analysis, multilevel modelling, or time-series methods is a strong asset
* Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently while contributing to a multidisciplinary research team
* Knowledge of French is a strong asset
Tasks and responsibilities
* Implement and manage EMA protocols in clinical populations with alcohol and tobacco use disorders
* Coordinate data collection within a randomized controlled trial
* Monitor data quality, adherence, and participant engagement
* Analyze intensive longitudinal and clinical trial data
* Contribute to dissemination of results and collaborative project components
* Travel abroad for training and research stays
Supervision and support
The PhD student will receive close supervision within the ERC project and dedicated methodological support from a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in ecological momentary assessment and intensive longitudinal data analysis.
What we offer
* Strong support for doctoral training and career development within a structured ERC-funded project
* Targeted training opportunities with international collaborators in Europe and overseas
* Possibility to develop complementary research interests aligned with the project objectives
* A collaborative research environment within an established experimental psychopathology group
* Access to clinical populations and state‑of‑the‑art research infrastructure
How to apply
To apply, please submit a single PDF including, in the following order: an academic CV, a one‑page report on past research, a one‑page research proposal related to the project topic, and the contact details of two referees. Please also include undergraduate and master’s transcripts of records. Submissions via email to mateo.leganes@uclouvain.be.
The position is expected to start after September 2026, with some flexibility depending on candidate availability. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Salary is fixed according to doctoral regulations and remains competitive within the Brussels region. Transport to the workplace is covered.
Job details
Title: PhD position in ecological momentary assessment and addiction research (ERC Starting Grant)
Published: 2026-03-24
Closing on: 2026-10-31 (Europe/Brussels)
Closing on: 2026-06-30 (Europe/Brussels)
#J-18808-Ljbffr