The Research Group of Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences at KU Leuven is inviting highly motivated candidates for a Postdoc position focused on studying interpersonal emotional processes through language use in the context of the Re-CONNECT project (advisor: Peter Kuppens)
While most existing psychopathology research focuses on intrapersonal factors and mechanisms, in the context of the larger Re-CONNECT consortium, we strive to uncover how mood disorder like depression and its symptoms is at least in part a function of the way emotions are exchanged and shared between people. As such, we aim to elucidate how well-being and symptoms of individuals suffering from mood disorder develop and manifest in close relationships.
With the current position, the aim is to study how interpersonal emotional processes manifest themselves in natural language and how this relates to relationship and mental health. Language provides one of the premier channels through which we emote with each other. As such, it provides a rich source of information to examine how emotions are constructed, communicated, and regulated between people. Re-CONNECT recently collected a large-scale dataset involving both videotaped lab interactions and real-life Experience sampling data from couples with partners characterized by varying degrees of mood disorder (ranging from healthy to diagnosed). The current postdoc position would start from these data (especially the transcripts of interactions) to study how language can help to give us a better understanding of interpersonal emotional processes in couples and how these may be diagnostic for mood disorder and relationships quality. Further information about this position can be obtained from Peter Kuppens ([email protected]).
Re-CONNECT is a consortium collaboration between PIs from different universities in Flanders: KU Leuven (PIs Batja Mesquita, Eva Ceulemans, Peter Kuppens), VUB (PI: Joeri Hofmans) and UGhent (PI: Lesley Verhofstadt). It aims to study the dynamics of interpersonal emotional interactions in the domain of work, family, mental health, and across cultures, and to establish what healthy and productive emotional interactions look like in each domain.
The successful candidate will work in the Research Group of Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences (http://ppw.kuleuven.be/okp/home/) under the supervision of Prof. Peter Kuppens. The group offers an international, productive, collaborative, multidisciplinary, and interactive environment with about 6 faculty and 26 graduate and postgraduate students.
KU Leuven is a research-oriented institution and is consistently ranked among the top research universities in Europe. Leuven is one of the oldest university towns in Europe, about 30 km from Brussels. It has a rich history and a unique friendly atmosphere.
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Responsibilities
The successful candidate will start from analysing existing data but may also progress to collecting new data. The postdoc will prepare high-quality scientific papers and present their research findings at (inter)national expert meetings and conferences.
Profile
We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates, with a PhD degree in Psychology, Behavioral or Cognitive Sciences, Linguistics, or Engineering. Strong skills in the analysis of language data (including for instance the application or development of LLMs, transfer learning, and topic modeling), statistical skills, effective communication, and organizational abilities are essential. A strong track record as evidenced by international scientific publications and fluency in English are required. Candidates should embrace an interdisciplinary perspective in their research. Familiarity with affect and emotion research, especially from an interpersonal perspective, is an advantage.
Offer
We offer a fully funded full-time Postdoc position for 1 year, with an expected extension to 2 years. Salary is competitive and in line with university standards. The successful candidate will become member of a vibrant, international, top-level research group.
Interested?
Applications should consist of a motivation letter (including contact information of 2 referees) and a full and detailed CV. Application materials have to be submitted through the KU Leuven portal. Job interviews for promising candidates will be scheduled on July 7 or 8. If you are invited for a job interview, we may ask you to present the results of a take-home assignment.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Peter Kuppens, tel.: +32 16 32 61 08, mail:
[email protected].
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.
