PhD in Developmental Psychology

The University | About us...

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University's faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its "international outlook," #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences. People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed.

The faculty's research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society. The FHSE offers six Bachelor and twenty Master degrees and a doctoral school providing students with the necessary knowledge and high-qualified skills to succeed in their future career.

We seek a motivated PhD candidate to join the Cognitive and Socio-Emotional Development research group. The successful applicant will collaborate closely with researchers from psychology and biology, and consortium partners within the CHAMP project, funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund.

Project Background:

Applications are invited for a PhD position at the University of Luxembourg as part of the interdisciplinary project "The effects of childhood adversity on mental health and learning" (CHAMP). Funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), CHAMP investigates developmental pathways from early adversity and trauma to mental health issues and learning challenges in care-experienced children and adolescents. The project takes a longitudinal, multidisciplinary approach, examining psychological, biological, and social-contextual factors affecting vulnerable children and adolescents in alternative care settings.

Your Role...

This PhD position in Developmental Psychology will explore executive functions in children with and without care experience, aiming to identify cognitive risk markers for language learning difficulties and poor mental health. Research methods will include interviews, questionnaires, experimental tests with children, and statistical analyses.

Responsibilities:

• Complete a doctoral thesis in Psychology within four years
• Acquire in-depth knowledge in the respective fields of research through literature research, training programmes, exchanges with team members, and internal CHAMP team meetings
• Contribute to the development of methods and materials
• Assess children and work with caregivers
• Collect, manage, and analyze quantitative data
• Effectively collaborate with all project partners
• Work closely with stakeholders, including third-party and contracting partners, to coordinate the study and facilitate communication with all involved parties
• Attend and present research findings at national and international conferences, including academic and non-academic audiences
• Publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed international journals

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Pascale Engel de Abreu ().

What we expect from you…

• Master's degree in Psychology, Educational Sciences, or related field
• Proficiency in quantitative research methods and statistical analysis software
• Excellent communication skills in English and German; knowledge of Luxembourgish is an advantage
• Strong interest in developmental psychology and interdisciplinary research
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and in educational or clinical settings is advantageous

What We Offer...

• Full funding for research project expenses, including conference attendance and training
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities at the University of Luxembourg
• Vibrant and collaborative work environment within an international team
• Professional development opportunities and tailored training program through the Doctoral School of Social Sciences

How to apply...

Interested candidates should apply online by submitting a CV (indicating languages spoken and proficiency levels), a cover letter, copies of diplomas, contact details for two referees, and an abstract of their Master's dissertation. Early applications are encouraged, as reviews will begin immediately for a start date on October 1st, 2024.

Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Campus Belval
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL06604

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time)