Department: PP07 – Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology
Degree: Master’s in Psychology or related discipline
Occupancy rate: Full-time (100%)
Vacancy type: Research staff

About Ghent University

The Ghent University is a major European research university employing more than 15,000 staff members. It is active in education, research, administration, and societal service, and is internationally recognized for its research-driven academic programmes.

Project Title

MindBreath: A Synergistic Growth Mindsets and Resonant Breathing Intervention to Foster Stress Resilience in Adolescence

Project Overview

This PhD position focuses on adolescent mental health and stress resilience.

The project addresses the rising prevalence of:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress-related symptoms in adolescents

It explores whether combining:

• Cognitive interventions (growth mindset training)
• Physiological regulation (slow-paced/resonant breathing)

can produce synergistic effects to improve mental well-being.

Study Design

The project will conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with multiple groups:

• Mindsets-only intervention
• Breathing-only intervention
• Combined mindsets + breathing
• Active control condition

Research Focus

The study investigates psychological and physiological mechanisms, including:

Psychological Measures

• Cognitive beliefs (growth mindset)
• Stress perception
• Daily stress dynamics

Physiological Measures

• Heart rate variability (HRV)
• Baroreflex sensitivity
• Inflammatory activity (downregulation effects)

Data Collection Methods

• Questionnaires
• Laboratory-based physiological assessments
• Experience sampling (intensive longitudinal data)
• School-based data collection (~450 adolescents)

Collaboration Environment

The project is a collaboration between:

• Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology
  (supervisors: Prof. Dr. Matteo Giletta, Dr. Nathalie Michels; Phaselab)
• Department of Head and Skin
  (Prof. Dr. Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt; Gheplab)

Work will take place at the Dunant campus of Ghent University.

Responsibilities

The PhD researcher will be responsible for the full research cycle:

• Obtain ethical approval
• Recruit adolescent participants in schools (East & West Flanders)
• Prepare and manage data collection systems
• Coordinate with app developers
• Conduct statistical analyses using:Write peer-reviewed scientific publications
  • R
  • Mplus
• Present at international conferences
• Produce science communication materials (infographics, videos)
• Supervise Master’s students
• Assist in teaching-related activities

Candidate Profile

Required

• Master’s degree (preferably research master, minimum cum laude) in:
  • Psychology
  • Or related discipline
• Strong interest in:Excellent scientific writing and communication skills
  • Adolescent mental health
  • Psychophysiology
• High proficiency in:Strong organization and teamwork skills
  • English
  • Dutch (oral and written)
• Ability to work independently and proactively

Preferred Experience

• Data collection in school settings
• Experience with experience sampling / intensive longitudinal data
• Multilevel or nested data analysis
• Tools such as:Willingness to learn advanced statistical methods
  • R
  • Mplus

What We Offer

• Full-time doctoral fellowship (100%)
• Initial contract: 12 months
• Total duration: up to 48 months (based on positive evaluation)
• Start date: no later than 1 October 2026

Academic Environment

You will benefit from:

• International interdisciplinary research team
• Training opportunities and courses
• Access to conferences and academic networks
• Possible research stay abroad
• Strong supervision (PI + postdoctoral researcher + MSc assistants)

Benefits

Staff at Ghent University receive:

• 36 days annual leave (full-time equivalent)
• Bridge holidays
• Bicycle commuting allowance
• Eco vouchers
• Structured training and career development support

Application Procedure

Submit applications by 5 July 2026 (23:59 Brussels time) via email:

???? matteo.giletta@ugent.be

Required (single PDF):

• CV
• Diploma + academic transcript
• Motivation letter (max 2 pages)
• Contact details of at least 2 referees

Selection Process

• Initial screening of applications
• Interviews: 13–16 July 2026
• Invitation sent after shortlisting

Contact

For questions:

Prof. Dr. Matteo Giletta
???? matteo.giletta@ugent.be

Institutional Values

Ghent University promotes:

• Equal opportunities
• Diversity and inclusion
• Open participation regardless of background