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

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

Join our interdisciplinary team at the Methodology of Educational Science Research Group (CMPO) and the Center for Contextual Psychiatry (CCP) at KU Leuven, one of Europe’s most renowned research universities. 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. 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. You will join the eMotion project, 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 a statistical framework for optimizing the design of Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMIs) using Micro‑Randomized Trials (MRTs).

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.

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. 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 March 2027.

For more information, please contact prof. Ginette Lafit ( ginette.lafit@kuleuven.be ).

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.

location_city Locatie: Leuven