Job Announcement: KU Leuven (Belgium), Psychology of Emotion-in-context

Academic position at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences Psychology of Emotion-in-context (starting at 1st October, 2013, 2014, or 2015)

Pending budgetary approval, the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at KU Leuven (Belgium) invites applications for an academic position in the domain of the Psychology of Emotion-in-context.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Research

Candidates must have a research background in how emotional and affective processes occur and evolve as a function of contextual factors, broadly construed (including situational, intergroup, and cultural factors). This covers a broad area of research that includes (but is not restricted to) research into contextualized accounts of emotions and emotional behavior, the time dynamics of emotion, the role of emotions in intergroup relations, and cultural influences on emotion. The new faculty member is expected to develop an active research program, and attract national and international funding.

The position will be embedded within a consortium consisting of the Research unit of Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences (http://ppw.kuleuven.be/okp), the Research unit of Social and Cultural Psychology (http://ppw.kuleuven.be/cscp/), and the Research unit of Methodology of Educational Sciences (http://ppw.kuleuven.be/english/research/mesrg). This consortium currently consists of 12 faculty, 8 postdocs, and 32 PhD students. The consortium offers an inspiring working environment, the research has an international profile, and funding is excellent. The successful candidate will develop his/her research both independently and in close collaboration with the other members of the consortium.

Teaching

The applicant is expected to teach at the undergraduate and graduate level, and supervise graduate students in the context of master’s theses and internships. Given the evolution towards team teaching, the distribution of the teaching load over the staff will take place by mutual agreement between the members of the research units and the vice-dean for education, taking into account the specific expertise of the colleagues involved.

Services

With emotions playing a key role in a broad range of phenomena, the study of emotion-in-context has important applied implications. Depending on the expertise of the successful candidate, the performed research is expected to inform policy making related to intergroup conflicts, mood disorders, or other societal challenges.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates are expected to have an excellent research record that will reflect positively on the quality and standing of the faculty. The quality of research should be apparent from publications in international peer-reviewed journals. International research experience and demonstrated success in the acquisition of competitive research funds will be considered assets.

Applicants are expected to have acquired high-level instructional qualities and skills to train and teach future bachelors and masters in psychology. The successful candidate should be prepared to further develop these qualities and skills.

If the candidate does not speak Dutch, he/she will be expected to learn the language within three years of the appointment. The required proficiency level will depend on the duties assigned. Dutch language courses are offered at KU Leuven. Proficiency in the English language is also required.

The applicant is also expected to have the necessary relational skills and leadership capacities to collaborate in the research team and to build international networks. In time and depending on the academic degree, he/she should be willing to take up responsibilities in and outside the faculty.

The position requires a PhD or a doctoral degree, preferably in Psychology, or in a related discipline provided that the candidate has academic experience in the research domain.

The rank of the position is open (tenure-track or tenured assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor), and will be determined on the basis of the applicant’s qualifications. The Belgian university system allows for promotion of rank within the same position.

KU Leuven is one of the oldest universities of Europe. Leuven is at the center of Europe, located at 30 km (19 miles) from Brussels and 24 km (15 miles) from a major international airport.

KU Leuven pursues a policy of equal opportunity and diversity.

To obtain more information about this position, candidates can contact one of the co-chairs of the search committee, Dr. Peter Kuppens (email: peter.kuppens@ppw.kuleuven.be) and Dr. Batja Mesquita (email: mesquita@ppw.kuleuven.be).

Candidates are invited to apply online at http://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/vacancies.html (will be activated upon final approval of the position). Should you encounter any problems with the electronic registration, please contact Valerie Vander Borght (valerie.vanderborght@kuleuven.be).