The Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the University of Leuven, Belgium, seeks a highly motivated candidate to fill a PhD position on the project "The neural basis of the time dynamics of emotions in healthy and depressed populations” (PIs and advisors: Dr. Philippe Verduyn, Prof. Dr. Peter Kuppens and Prof. Dr. Iven Van Mechelen).  

Project: The aim of the project is to chart patterns of emotional change across time in healthy and depressed populations, and to identify the neural mechanisms that drive these changes. The planned research project consists of laboratory experiments (using fMRI) and experience sampling studies.  

Environment: The successful candidate will work in the Research Group of Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences under the supervision of Philippe Verduyn, Peter Kuppens and Iven Van Mechelen. The group offers an international, productive, collaborative, and interactive environment with about 6 faculty and 16 other graduate and postgraduate students. See http://ppw.kuleuven.be/okp/home/for further information. The University of Leuven is a research oriented institution and is consistently ranked among the top research universities in Europe. Leuven is one of the oldest university towns in Europe, about 30 km from Brussels. It has a rich history, culture and night life, and a unique friendly atmosphere. The research project will be executed in collaboration with the Emotion Center of the University Paris VI, France. This center comprises researchers and clinicians, at the interface of psychiatry and cognitive and behavioral neurosciences. See http://www.centre-emotion.upmc.fr/ for further information. 

Profile: The applicant must have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the behavioral sciences, biomedical sciences, or related area, and excellent English communication and writing skills. Experience with neurophysiological research or emotion research is considered an asset. The position requires enrollment in the PhD-program of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. International mobility is required as the research project encompasses a number of research visits to the University Paris VI, France.  Terms of employment: We offer a competitive salary with various additional benefits (in terms of holidays, health insurance, transport costs), excellent research facilities, and a conference/travel budget. The position is initially for 1 year, renewable up to a total of 4 years, and is expected to result in the completion of a PhD. The start date is October 1st 2013 or as soon as possible thereafter.  

Application procedure: Interested candidates can contact Philippe Verduyn (Philippe.Verduyn@ppw.kuleuven.be) or Iven Van Mechelen for more information. Applicants should send their motivation letter and full CV (including a detailed transcript of university study results), and the names and contact information of at least two references to Iven.VanMechelen@ppw.kuleuven.be at your earliest convenience and no later than May 15th.