PhD: Understanding and Treating Amotivation in Young People with Psychosis: a Qualitative Approach

Join our interdisciplinary team at the Center for Contextual Psychiatry (CCP) and the Center for Clinical Psychiatry (CCliPs) at KU Leuven. The CCP is a leading, internationally recognized research center known for its expertise in designing, implementing, and analysing experimental studies and clinical trials, using Experience Sampling Methodology in mental health research. Headed by prof. Inez Myin-Germeys, CCP brings together 25 researchers from diverse backgrounds in a vibrant and collaborative environment. CCliPs, led by Prof. van Winkel, focuses on the socioenvirome of psychosis, using Virtual Reality to examine, for example, the impact of childhood trauma and minority stress on the development of youth mental health problems. Both CCP and CCliPs are part of the Department of Neurosciences within the School of Medicine at KU Leuven, one of the most renowned research universities in Europe. You will join their Methusalem program, an ambitious, large-scale research initiative dedicated to developing new interventions for negative symptoms of psychosis. As one of the PhD students on the project, you will be responsible for the qualitative and participatory aspects of the program.
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Project

In this project, the candidate will investigate how young people experience amotivation – a core negative symptom of psychosis- and what they expect and need from treatment for these challenges. Using focus groups and in-depth interviews, combined with thematic analysis, the candidate will gain a nuanced understanding of amotivation.

A key responsibility will be to establish and coordinate a Youth Advisory Board, ensuring meaningful involvement of young people at every stage of the project.

The candidate will collaborate closely with other PhD students and research assistants, conducting experimental studies using methods such as Experience Sampling Methodology and Virtual Reality, to uncover psychological mechanisms underlying amotivation. Insights from both the qualitative and quantitative work will inform the development of novel interventions.

This position is part of a recently funded, large-scale and innovative research program, aimed at creating new treatments for negative symptoms, among the most challenging aspects of psychiatric care. The candidate will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of clinical psychologists, experimental psychologists, psychiatrists, and statisticians, working in an environment that fosters collaboration and scientific excellence.

Profile

The candidate is resident in psychiatry or has a master’s degree in psychology or a related field (Mental Health, Psychiatry, Social/Health Sciences) and has demonstrated research interest. The candidate should have experience with qualitative research. Previous experience with or knowledge of the experience sampling method and literature on psychosis or youth mental health is a plus. Also, the candidate should have good written and oral command of Dutch and English (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 July 2026.Interviews will be held on March 30 and April 2.

Interested?

For this application, the following information will be considered:

• Cover Letter (describing your motivation, research career goals, skills, and experience)
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
• Contact details of at least two reference persons
• Other information for consideration (e.g., a list of publications if applicable)

Please use the university’s job portal when applying for this position.

For more information, please contact Prof. Inez Myin-Germeys ([emailprotected]) or Prof. Ruud van Winkel ([emailprotected]).

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.