This position is embedded in a newly established collaboration between the Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology (CLEP) at KU Leuven and the Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology (LEP) at UCLouvain. The PhD candidate will be based at KU Leuven during the first two years of the project and at UCLouvain during the final two years.
The Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology (CLEP) is part of KU Leuven in Belgium, a leading research university situated conveniently in the heart of Europe. Our team is dedicated to exploring the cognitive and learning processes involved in anxiety, depression, and addiction. We aim not only to understand these mechanisms but also to develop strategies for prevention and intervention. Our research spans the full translational spectrum, from basic studies with rodents to clinical trials involving patients. At KU Leuven, the project will be supervised by Professor Sara Scheveneels, who has expertise in extinction learning and exposure therapy, and Professor Filip Raes, whose expertise lies in mindfulness based interventions.
The Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology (LEP) is part of UCLouvain in Belgium, a prominent research-intensive university located in Louvain-la-Neuve, at the crossroads of major European academic networks. The lab adopts a transdiagnostic approach to psychopathology, exploring psychological processes common to various disorders and their roles in triggering these conditions. LEP’s research is grounded in diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives, integrating insights from cognitive and affective neuroscience, clinical psychology, sport and exercise psychology, neuropsychology, and cognitive, social, and behavioral psychology. On the French-speaking side, the project will be supervised by Professor Damien Brevers (UCLouvain), who has expertise in exposure therapy and clinical psychology, and Professor Emeritus Pierre Philippot, whose expertise lies in emotion-regulation and mindfulness based interventions.
Project
Exposure therapy for anxiety disorders does not always lead to lasting improvement. One important reason is that many people try, often without realizing it, to control or push away unpleasant thoughts and feelings during exposure. These subtle avoidance strategies can get in the way of learning that feared situations are actually safe. Mindfulness may help by teaching people to notice their experiences with openness and without immediately reacting, which can make exposure work better.
This project explores whether mindfulness can improve exposure therapy, and how this might work. We will examine whether taking a mindful attitude during exposure leads to better outcomes, and whether mindfulness helps reduce hidden avoidance by increasing openness and calm responding. To do this, we combine laboratory experiments to understand basic learning processes, controlled studies with people who have elevated anxiety, and a clinical study following individuals over time during real treatment.
Profile
We're searching for a passionate candidate who holds a Master's degree in psychology and demonstrates:
- Outstanding academic performance throughout both Bachelor's and Master's programs.
- Exceptional proficiency in data analysis (with a preference for experience in advanced techniques, though it's not mandatory).
- Strong communication skills in English, both orally and in academic writing. Knowledge of both Dutch and French is advantageous.
- Genuine interest in the psychology of learning, mindfulness, and their connections to psychopathology, especially anxiety.
- Proactive, collaborative, and flexible nature with strong organizational skills.
- Thrives on challenges and exhibits a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Possesses a critical and curious mindset, able to work autonomously.
If you meet these criteria and are excited about joining our team, we encourage you to apply!
Offer
- We offer a fully-funded, 4-year joint PhD scholarship at KU Leuven and the UCLouvain (initial one-year appointment, to be extended upon satisfactory performance). You will start your doctoral research at KU Leuven, transfer to UCLouvain after two years.
- You will join the KU Leuven Doctoral School for the Humanities and Social Sciences and UCLouvain Psycheduc doctoral school.
- We offer hands-on supervision from a multidisciplinary team of supervisors, will provide opportunities to attend internal meetings and support to attend international workshops and conferences, and will provide extensive opportunities for training, skills development and professional growth.
- As a partner of the Dutch-Flemish postgraduate school Experimental Psychopathology (EPP) (https://epp-research.eu/), our research group offers opportunities for additional courses and workshops covering various aspects of clinical psychology and psychopathology.
- Start date: September 7, 2026
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Sara Scheveneels, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Filip Raes, mail: [email protected].
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