At the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (PPW) of KU Leuven, a full-time position as an assistant (AAP mandate) is available in the field of experimental clinical psychology.
We are looking for candidates with a strong motivation for and keen interest in research and education in this field. KU Leuven is a leading academic institution in Europe and has a mission of excellence in academic education and research, with a strong involvement in society.
The research of the Center for Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology (CLEP) focuses on the broad domain that forms the intersection between learning psychology and psychopathology, with a clear focus on an experimental-psychological approach to psychopathology. In CLEP, experimental research in the lab is used to unravel processes and mechanisms that play a role in the development, maintenance and reduction of emotional and behavioral problems. The central focus of the research lines in the group is the role of learning and memory in anxiety and depression from a learning-theoretical perspective. Within the framework of the current mandate, there is also room for experimental research into mechanisms involved in substance use and tolerance.
Project
The position concerns an appointment as assistant. The task package consists of preparing, conducting, analyzing, and writing up research, with a view to obtaining a doctorate, and contributing to the teaching assignment of the research unit. Your time will therefore be divided between research (2/3) and teaching assignments (1/3).
The teaching package may still change, but for the time being you will be asked to assist with the following courses and practicals: gedragstherapie (P0Q09a); single-case onderzoek (P0X93a); practicum gedragstherapeutische assessments en interventies: volwassenen (P0Q30a); psychologische interventies voor volwassenen en ouderen: van mechanismen tot interventies (P0W42a) and the accompanying practicum (P0W73a) .
Profile
- You will hold a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology (Adults and Elderly) or equivalent by 30 September 2025 at the latest, and have obtained at least the degree of distinction.
- You are motivated and interested in delving into theoretical questions relating to psychopathology for six years and in developing and conducting experimental research in that domain. Prior experience with experimental behavioural research is highly recommended.
- You are willing and able to write scientific articles in English. You will be part of an international and diverse research group, where English is the working language. It is therefore important that you can also express yourself fluently in English.
- Because the teaching assignments you will provide will be given in Dutch, it is important that you have a perfect command of Dutch (equivalent to language level C2).
- A positive, team-oriented and honest working attitude is crucial. Knowledge of learning theory and/or psychopharmacology, statistical skills, experience with programming and/or psychophysiology, didactic talent and communication skills are distinctive assets.
Offer
- We offer a stimulating and supportive environment that values diversity and nurtures talent. Your team of supervisors (led by Prof. Tom Beckers) guarantees a solid scientific education with close supervision and with strong attention to open and transparent research practices. There is a wide range of opportunities for professional training and development, with specific attention and space for the development of transferable skills.
- We offer a full-time position as an assistant for two years (with a salary in scale 43), renewable twice (subject to positive evaluation) up to a total period of 6 years.
- There is room for supervised development of clinical skills in the context of the faculty's practice center PraxisP.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Tom Beckers, tel.: +32 16 32 61 34, mail: [email protected].
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.
