The Brain & Cognition (B&C) Research Unit of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences in Leuven focuses on experimental and neuroscientific research into psychological functions such as (visual) perception, action, cognition (learning and memory, attention, reasoning, categorisation, numerical cognition, cognitive control, etc.) and metacognition (thinking about thinking). These functions are studied at multiple levels: behaviour and conscious experience; the cognitive processes underlying behaviour and experience; their development and plasticity; and the biological basis of these processes.
The available position combines a substantial research component (a PhD) with a role as teaching assistant. The research will be carried out under the supervision of Bert Reynvoet and Hans Op de Beeck, in a project at the intersection of numerical processing and perceptual learning, using neuroscientific techniques, with an emphasis on methods such as brain stimulation (TMS). As a teaching assistant, you will support students in several courses within the broad domain of brain and cognition.
Websites of the supervisors:
- Learning Brain Lab — KU Leuven Kulak | Bert Reynvoet
- HOPLAB | The Neuroscience of Vision & Learning | Hans Op de Beeck
Website unit
Project
As a doctoral researcher, you will be the driving force behind a research project at the intersection of perception and numerical cognition. You will have the opportunity to further develop the research objectives, set up studies (behavioural and neurocognitive studies), collect data, analyse these data, and report the results.
More specifically, you will:
- Study scientific literature to anchor the research in the latest theoretical and methodological developments.
- Collect data (including TMS) and analyse these data.
- Communicate research results, primarily within academia through presentations and publications, and occasionally also to a broader audience.
As a teaching assistant, you will support courses within the domain of brain and cognition, where you can draw on your expertise. You will have the opportunity, among other things, to develop and supervise practical sessions and to contribute to the assessment of assignments.
In your first year, you will be involved in:
- Experimental Psychology, part 1
- Methods of Scientific Research: Practicum
- Academic writing in psychology
- (Cognitive) Psychology and behavioural neuroscience
Profile
- You hold a master’s degree in psychology or biomedical sciences.
- You have excelled during your studies.
- You have experience with one or more phases of the research cycle.
- You have a strong interest in (cognitive) neuroscience.
- You can work both independently and as part of an international team.
- You are results-oriented.
- You are interested in sharing your expertise through teaching activities.
- You are flexible and can efficiently organise research and teaching support.
- You are Dutch-speaking (required for teaching support) and have a fluent command of English.
Offer
- Full-time employment as an assistant. Each year, you are expected to spend approximately 2/3 of your time on doctoral research and 1/3 on teaching support. Teaching tasks are generally concentrated in specific weeks, so you should be able to demonstrate the necessary flexibility.
- The appointment is initially for 2 years and may, subject to a positive evaluation, be extended up to a maximum of 6 years.
- After these 6 years, you are expected to have obtained your PhD. In total, this position therefore provides 4 years of effective research time (2/3), which is the KU Leuven standard.
- As a researcher, you will have ample opportunities for professional development through literature study, participation in seminars and workshops, and collaboration with leading researchers, both nationally and internationally.
- As a teaching assistant, you will have access to training courses, information sessions and opportunities to exchange experiences to improve your didactic skills. After 6 years, you will combine a PhD with demonstrable teaching experience.
- The position offers flexibility and the opportunity to work in an enthusiastic team within a stimulating, multicultural environment.
- In addition to a competitive salary (scale 43), KU Leuven offers additional benefits such as hospitalisation insurance, eco vouchers, reimbursement of commuting costs by public transport, affordable meals and a KU Leuven bike.
Interested?
Applications must be submitted by 25 June 2026. Interviews with selected candidates are preferably scheduled for the following week (2 July 2026).
Please apply via KU Leuven’s online application tool. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
Preferred start date: 15 September 2026.
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.
