The successful candidate will work in the Research Group of Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences (http://ppw.kuleuven.be/okp/home/) under the supervision of Prof. Eva Ceulemans and Prof. Peter Kuppens. The group offers an international, productive, collaborative, multidisciplinary, and interactive environment with about 6 faculty and 26 graduate and postgraduate students.KU 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 and a unique friendly atmosphere.
Responsibilities
Emotions arise, are shaped and regulated in the context of interpersonal relationships. Also the dysregulation of emotion as seen in for instance mood disorder originates largely from interpersonal processes. Understanding the nature and dynamics of emotion, both in healthy and maladaptive functioning, therefore requires the study of emotion as fundamentally interpersonal phenomena. The aim of this position is to develop novel methods to study the interpersonal nature of emotions in the context of daily life using Experience Sampling Methods and/or apply such methods to obtain a better understanding of how emotions unfold between people and how this contributes to mental health.
Depending on the interest and background of the successful candidate, the work will consist of
developing and applying novel study designs for investigating interpersonal emotion (regulation) patterns
proposing and evaluating data modeling approaches to analyse dyadic time-series data
analysing existing dyadic time series data to obtain novel insights into how emotions unfold and are regulated interpersonally
The postdoc will prepare high-quality scientific papers and present their research findings at (inter)national expert meetings and conferences.
Profile
We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates, with a PhD degree in Psychology, Behavioral or Cognitive Sciences, Data science and related fields. Strong skills in the analysis of time-series data, statistical skills, effective communication, and organizational abilities are essential. A strong track record as evidenced by international scientific publications and fluency in English are required. Candidates should embrace an interdisciplinary perspective in their research. Familiarity with affect and emotion research, especially from an interpersonal perspective, is an advantage.
Offer
We offer a fully funded full-time Postdoc position for 1 year, with a possible extension to 2 years. Salary is competitive and in line with university standards. The successful candidate will become member of a vibrant, international, top-level research group.
Interested?
Applications should consist of a motivation letter (including contact information of 2 referees) and a full and detailed CV. Application materials have to be submitted through the KU Leuven portal. Job interviews for promising candidates will be scheduled in September 2026. If you are invited for a job interview, we may ask you to present the results of a take-home assignment.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Peter Kuppens, mail: peter.kuppens@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Eva Ceulemans, mail: eva.ceulemans@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.
Fields: Behavioural Science, Emotion, Health Psychology, Quantitative Psychology, Social Psychology
