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PhD Student
PhD position in ecological momentary assessment and addiction research Full-time NEW
PhD position in ecological momentary assessment and addiction research (ERC Starting Grant)
Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position (4 years) within the ERC Starting Grant project BodyCrave, with Dr. Mateo Leganes-Fonteneau as research lead. The project examines the interoceptive mechanisms supporting addictive disorders. This specific PhD project focuses on the use of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to study craving dynamics in Alcohol Use Disorder and Tobacco Use Disorder, and to evaluate interventions targeting bodily processes within a randomized controlled trial framework.
The successful candidate will join a newly established research team under the ERC Starting Grant BodyCrave. The position is embedded within the Alcohol Research Group of the Louvain Experimental Psychopathology Research Group (https://www.uclep.be/ARL/home) and involves close collaboration with Prof. Pierre Maurage’s team. The project integrates clinical research, intensive longitudinal data collection, and advanced statistical modeling.
Your profile
Master’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, or a related discipline
Training or experience in clinical research, clinical psychology, or work with patients with substance use disorders
Strong interest in ecological momentary assessment, intensive longitudinal designs, and intervention research
Strong quantitative skills, including statistical analysis of longitudinal data and coding experience (e.g., R, Python, or similar)
Experience with network analysis, multilevel modelling, or time-series methods is a strong asset
Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently while contributing to a multidisciplinary research team
Knowledge of French is a strong asset
Tasks and responsibilities
Implement and manage EMA protocols in clinical populations with alcohol and tobacco use disorders
Coordinate data collection within a randomized controlled trial
Monitor data quality, adherence, and participant engagement
Analyze intensive longitudinal and clinical trial data
Contribute to dissemination of results and collaborative project components
Travel abroad for training and research stays
Supervision and support
The PhD student will receive close supervision within the ERC project and dedicated methodological support from a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in ecological momentary assessment and intensive longitudinal data analysis.
What we offer
Strong support for doctoral training and career development within a structured ERC-funded project
Targeted training opportunities with international collaborators in Europe and overseas
Possibility to develop complementary research interests aligned with the project objectives
A collaborative research environment within an established experimental psychopathology group
Access to clinical populations and state-of-the-art research infrastructure
How to apply
To apply, please submit a single PDF including, in the following order: an academic CV, a one-page report on past research, a one-page research proposal related to the project topic, and the contact details of two referees. Please also include undergraduate and master’s transcripts of records.
The position is expected to start after September 2026, with some flexibility depending on candidate availability. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Salary is fixed according to doctoral regulations and remains competitive within the Brussels region. Transport to the workplace is covered.