KU Leuven is offering two fully funded, full-time PhD positions within an ambitious FWO project at the intersection of neonatology, developmental psychology, and neuroscience.
The project is led by Prof. Gunnar Naulaers (NICU, UZ/KU Leuven) and Prof. Bart Boets (Center for Developmental Psychiatry, KU Leuven), in close collaboration with a strong interdisciplinary team across Neonatology (An Eerdekens, Bieke Bollen, Anne Debeer, Katrien Jansen, Anneleen Dereymaeker) and Obstetrics (Kristel Van Calsteren).
Website unit
( https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/research/50000666/50000673/CDP/ )
Project
Early in life, infants develop both self-regulation and social connectedness, processes that rely on parent–infant synchrony and co-regulation. In very preterm infants admitted to the NICU, these processes are often disrupted. This project investigates how early non-separation and immediate kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact) may support development. We hypothesize that early contact enhances biobehavioural synchrony, enabling parents to scaffold infant self-regulation. Using a randomized controlled trial and longitudinal follow-up (NICU, 6 and 14 months), we combine behavioural, physiological (EEG, ECG), and hormonal (oxytocin, cortisol) measures to better understand developmental mechanisms and inform future NICU practices.
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( https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/en/person/g0003537 ).
Profile
We offer two complementary PhD trajectories
PhD 1 – NICU / medical focus
You will work on the implementation of non-separation and immediate kangaroo care, and conduct data collection in the NICU setting.
Background: Master’s degree in Medicine, Obstetrics, Midwifery, or related
Flexibility and experience is required to support preterm deliveries.
PhD 2 – Developmental / analytical focus
You will lead the follow-up measurements at 6 and 14 months and contribute strongly to data analysis and modelling.
Background: Psychology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, or related, with a passion for infant research.
Experience with, or a strong motivation to learn, psychophysiological methods, programming (R, Python, Matlab) and advanced statistics is valued.
What you will do
You will engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary research, including:
Parent–infant dual measurements (“hyperscanning”) of EEG, ECG, hormones and behaviour during kangaroo care at NICU, and during play interactions at 6 and 14 months
Longitudinal follow-up of very preterm infants and full-term controls
Analysis of self-regulation, co-regulation, and synchrony dynamics
Publishing in international journals and presenting at conferences
鲁汶大学 PhD position in Early touch and parent–infant synchrony in preterm infants项目有没有奖学金,是不是全奖Phd招生,下面我们一起看一下【大学名称】Phd的奖学金资助情况
鲁汶大学Phd申请条件和要求都有哪些?PhD position in Early touch and parent–infant synchrony in preterm infants项目是不是全奖?有没有奖学金?下面我们一起看一下鲁汶大学申请Phd直招需要具备哪些条件和要求,以及托福、雅思语言成绩要到多少才能申请。
申请要求
Profile
We are looking for motivated candidates who:
Have a strong interest in infant development, mental health and physiology
Enjoy combining clinical data collection and analysis
Work well both independently and in a team
Have strong English academic writing skills
Have sufficient Dutch proficiency for interaction with families