The Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology (CLEP) is based at KU Leuven in Belgium, a prestigious 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 a wide spectrum, from basic studies with rodents to clinical trials involving patients. Professor Filip Raes, who leads CLEP and oversees the project in question, focuses particularly on understanding the factors that make individuals vulnerable to depression. This includes exploring aspects such as worry, rumination, memory biases, and the suppression of positive emotions.

The project is part of a KU Leuven C1 grant awarded to Professor Filip Raes.
If you'd like to learn more, you can visit our website at
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Project

Some people tend to diminish positive emotions through dampening thoughts, like 'These positive feelings won’t last '. This can lead them to forego the health benefits associated with positive emotional states, and research indicates that dampening is implicated in various forms of psychopathology, particularly depression. Understanding the motivations behind dampening is crucial for theory development and effective therapies. Preliminary indications suggest that individuals may dampen to avoid negative emotional contrasts (NECs). That is, dampeners would prefer fewer positive emotions now to prevent a potential emotional backlash later once the positive event is over. Our project aims to systematically test this Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM) for dampening. Objectives include examining associations between dampening and NEC avoidance, experimentally testing if dampening enables avoidance of NECs, and exploring whether exposure to NECs reduces avoidance and dampening.

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 Dutch is advantageous.
Genuine interest in the psychology of learning, emotion regulation, and their connections to psychopathology, especially depression.
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

Estimated net monthly salary: approximately EUR 2500 (subject to qualifications, age, and family circumstances).
Professional development opportunities include doctoral training, participation in (inter)national conferences, workshops, teaching, and collaboration within a dynamic, creative, and stimulating work environment at CLEP. You'll work alongside a team of international researchers, emphasizing the integration of clinical practice and scientific inquiry.
Employment basis: Temporary contract for a specified period.
Contract duration: 4 years (contingent upon a successful intermediate evaluation after 1 year).
Maximum weekly working hours: 38.
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 9, 2024.
Additionally, if interested, you can engage in clinical activities at our PraxisP faculty practice center (https://ppw.kuleuven.be/PraxisP).
In the context of this project, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with Professor Michelle G. Newman from PennState University (USA), Dr. David Hallford from Deakin University (Australia), and Emeritus Professor J. Mark G. Williams from the University of Oxford (UK).

Filip Raes

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Filip Raes, tel.: +32 16 32 58 92, mail: filip.raes@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.