PhD fellowship in psychology

perceived parental overprotection, i.e., parenting behaviors that may limit opportunities to develop autonomy. The project will also investigate psychological mechanisms that may help explain these associations, including attachment and self-objectification.

The doctoral research will combine perspectives from social, developmental, and family psychology and will primarily rely on quantitative and experimental research methods. The PhD student will be integrated into a collaborative research team working on parenting, gender, self-objectification, and body ownership.

Job description

• You are involved in the preparation and execution of the research on the family antecedents of women’s body ownership within the ARC project.
• You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of psychology, embedded in the ARC project.
• You contribute to the design of the studies, data collection, statistical analyses, interpretation of findings, and preparation of scientific publications.
• You publish scientific articles related to the project and engage in other types of science communication (e.g., active participation at conferences, workshops, or seminars).
• There may be a light teaching load in connection with the broader research activities of the host institution.

Where to apply

E-mail: stijn.van.petegem@ulb.be

Requirements

Research Field: Psychological sciences » Psychology

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology or a closely related field.
• A strong interest in psychological research, particularly in social, developmental, family, and/or psychology of gender.
• Familiarity with quantitative research methods and statistical analyses is an asset; experience with experimental and/or longitudinal research is also an asset.
• A creative and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to work independently while valuing teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Good communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Good command of French and English.

Languages: FRENCH – Level: Good

Languages: ENGLISH – Level: Good

Additional Information

Benefits

• We offer a full-time doctoral position for four years, ideally starting on 01/01/2027 (starting date negotiable).
• Salaries are competitive at the European level.
• EU Citizens and citizens from countries that have a bilateral social security agreement with Belgium: social security coverage including medical insurance, unemployment benefit, retirement pension, maternity leave and child benefit.
• Non-EU citizens from countries that have no bilateral social security agreement with Belgium: social security coverage including medical insurance, maternity leave and child benefit.
• Insurance against accidents in the workplace.
• Tax exemption.
• Low-cost private hospitalization insurance.
• On-site services at the ULB: medical center, university hospital, sports center, subsidized restaurants, cultural center, crèche, activities for children, etc.

Eligibility criteria

Master’s degree in Psychology or a closely related field.

Selection process

Applications should be submitted by e-mail to Philippe.Bernard@ulb.be and Stijn.Van.Petegem@ulb.be, with the subject line “Application PhD fellowship ARC – Your Name”.

The following documents are required:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• A reference letter is an asset

Documents can be written in English or French.

Applications should be submitted by November 1st, 2026. Following an initial selection based on the applicants’ documents, suitable candidates will be invited for an interview around mid-November.

For any additional information, please contact Philippe.Bernard@ulb.be and Stijn.Van.Petegem@ulb.be.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: ULB

Country: Belgium

City: Ixelles

Postal Code: 1050

Street: Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 50

Contact

City: Brussels

Website: http://www.ulb.be

Street: 50 Avenue F.D. Roosevelt

Postal Code: 1050

E-Mail: stijn.van.petegem@ulb.be, philippe.bernard@ulb.be