PhD Position in Social Cognition and Loneliness in Young Adults

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Springlab to investigate the determinants of social isolation and loneliness in young adults

Your role

As part of the PhD, you will contribute to the development of innovative cognitive markers of social motivation and pleasure related to social interactions. You will recruit participants and conduct in-laboratory experiments as well as an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) via smartphone in young adults. The analyses will examine how cognitive markers of social motivation and social pleasure relate to social withdrawal, loneliness and social isolation in everyday life. This work has strong potential to inform health policies and intervention strategies. You will prepare publications for leading scientific journals and present your work at international scientific conferences.

The PhD will be carried out at UCLouvain (Psychological Sciences Research Institute) under the supervision of Professor Dana Samson (UCLouvain).

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 Springlab

The Springlab has recently received funding for several projects focusing on the determinants of social isolation and loneliness, providing a stimulating interdisciplinary and international environment for research and training.

Candidate profile

• Master’s degree in psychological sciences (120 ECTS), to be completed before the start of the position, and awarded with at least the equivalent of a distinction.

• Strong quantitative data analysis skills.

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

• Availability to participate in international meetings and conferences.

• Willingness to participate in outreach and public engagement activities.

The offer

• A full-time F.R.S.–FNRS-funded PhD scholarship for four years. The bursary follows the standard F.R.S.–FNRS PhD scholarship rates in Belgium.

• A stimulating research and training environment at UCLouvain with frequent interactions with PhD students and researchers across the Springlab’s international collaboration network.

UCLouvain is 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.