PhD: Developing a gold standard for the real-time assessment of negative symptoms in young people with psychosis
(ref. BAP
Laatst aangepast: 23/01/26
Join our interdisciplinary team at the Center for Contextual Psychiatry (CCP) and the Methodology of Educational Science Research Group (CMPO) at KU Leuven, one of Europe's most renowned research universities. The CCP, housed within the Department of Neurosciences in the School of Medicine, is an internationally leading research center specializing in Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) in mental health research. Under the leadership of Prof. Inez Myin-Germeys, the CCP brings together a vibrant group of 25 researchers from diverse backgrounds and is widely recognized for its expertise in designing, implementing, and analyzing experimental studies and clinical trials. The CMPO, part of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, is internationally recognized for its expertise in advanced statistical modeling and research methodology, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Prof. Ginette Lafit leads innovative work to advance quantitative methods in ESM study design and drives methodological innovation in intensive longitudinal research. You will join the Methusalem program, an ambitious long-term research initiative dedicated to developing new interventions for the negative symptoms of psychosis. As a PhD student, you will play a central role in developing gold-standard ESM items to measure amotivation, a core negative symptom in young people experiencing psychosis. These measures will form the methodological backbone for innovative digital interventions aimed at improving negative symptoms in youth.
Project
In this project, the PhD candidate will develop gold-standard ESM items for the real-time assessment of amotivation—a core negative symptom of psychosis—in young people, combining cutting-edge psychometric techniques with in-depth qualitative methods. The validity of ESM findings depends on adequate measures. However, many ESM items currently in use have unknown psychometric properties and have not undergone formal evaluation. The CCP and CMPO are at the forefront of addressing these measurement challenges, with award-winning initiatives such as the ESM Item Repository ). Building on ongoing methodological and meta-science work in the CCP and CMPO, this project will develop and psychometrically validate gold-standard ESM items to assess amotivation, using novel qualitative and quantitative techniques to overcome measurement barriers in digital interventions for psychosis treatment.
Your Responsibilities:
* Apply quantitative methods to analyze ESM data, including time series analysis and multilevel modeling techniques.
* Evaluate the validity and psychometric properties of ESM items assessing amotivation using qualitative and quantitative methods.
* Develop novel quantitative methods to examine ESM item functioning within ecological momentary interventions.
* 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 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.
Profile
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. Familiarity with psychometrics and mixed‑methods approaches is an asset. 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).
Offer
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 July 2026. Interviews will be held on March 30 and April 2.
Interested?
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)
Please use the university's job portal when applying for this position.
For more information, please contact prof. Ginette Lafit ) or prof. Inez Myin-Germeys ).
You can apply for this job no later than March 16, 2026 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
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Locatie: Leuven
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16/03/2026 23:59 CET
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Tags: Neurowetenschappen