PhD Position in Social Cognition and Neurodegeneration

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an international research team specialising in social cognition and neurodegeneration 

Your role

As part of the PhD, you will contribute to the development of innovative markers of social functioning and social vulnerability. You will recruit participants and conduct socio-cognitive and behavioural assessments in patients with various neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in healthy controls, at the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc (UCLouvain) and, potentially, at the University Psychiatric Centre KU Leuven. The analyses will examine how neurodegeneration-related changes in brain structure relate to socio-cognitive abilities, behavioural profiles, and their consequences for everyday social life. This work has strong potential to advance our understanding of how socio-cognitive deficits shape social interactions and affect quality of life. You will prepare publications for leading scientific journals and present your work at international scientific conferences.

The position is based at UCLouvain in Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium), with regular presence required at the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc (Brussels/Woluwe) for data collection and at KU Leuven for meetings and, potentially, data collection.

The PhD will be carried out at UCLouvain (Psychological Sciences Research Institute) under the supervision of Professor Dana Samson (UCLouvain), Professor Jan Van den Stock (KU Leuven), and Dr Pegah Masrori (Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc). The project is embedded in a multinational research consortium, providing rich opportunities for collaboration with teams in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Canada, as well as participation in joint training activities.

About UCLouvain

The Psychological Sciences Research Institute (IPSY) at UCLouvain has a strong international reputation and is ranked 80th worldwide in Psychology in the QS World University Rankings 2025. IPSY offers a dynamic, international, and collaborative research environment, bringing together around 50 permanent academic staff and more than 150 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. 

About the international consortium

The project is supported by the EU’s largest programme dedicated to research on neurodegenerative diseases. It brings together experts from UCLouvain, KU Leuven, Université de Lille, the IRCCS Camaldoli Research Institute (Milan), Trinity College Dublin, McGill University, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, and the University of Trento.

Candidate profile

• Master’s degree in Psychological Sciences (120 ECTS) or in (Bio)Medical Sciences (minimum 120 ECTS), to be completed before the start of the position, with training in neuropsychology and/or neuroscience, and awarded with at least the equivalent of a distinction.

• Strong quantitative data analysis skills.

• Strong collaborative skills and motivation to work in an international team.

• Fluency in French (C1 or higher) and English (B2 or higher) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR); knowledge of Dutch is an asset.

• Previous experience working with patients with neurodegenerative diseases is an advantage.

• Willingness to travel regularly between Louvain-la-Neuve, Woluwe (Brussels), and potentially Leuven for data collection.

• Availability to participate in the international consortium meetings.

• Willingness to participate in outreach and public engagement activities.

The offer

• A full-time F.R.S.–FNRS-funded PhD scholarship for three years, with the possibility of a one-year extension. The bursary follows the standard F.R.S.–FNRS PhD scholarship rates in Belgium.

• Reimbursement of travel expenses related to data collection.

• A stimulating research and training environment at UCLouvain and KU Leuven, with frequent interactions with PhD students and researchers across the international consortium.

UCLouvain and KU Leuven are committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, disability, ethnic or social background, nationality, or other personal characteristics.

Application procedure

Please send the following documents as a single PDF file to dana.samson@uclouvain.be:

1. A full CV. 

2. Transcripts of your Master’s degree.

3. A motivation letter. As two PhD positions are advertised simultaneously, please clearly indicate in your motivation letter the title(s) of the position(s) you are applying for. 

4. Names and contact details of two referees (reference letters are NOT required at this stage).

Deadline for applications: 15 February (23:59 CET)

After an initial selection, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview at UCLouvain. Online interviews can be arranged if needed. Interviews will take place early March 2026.

The position can start on 1 April 2026, or at a later date by mutual agreement.