Job openings
- Description of the research group
- List of a few exemplary publications of the group
- Overview of current openings
- How to apply
- Contact information
1. Description of the research group
The research group combines the study of substantive psychological issues with the development of quantitative models and associated algorithms. On the one hand, models and algorithms are being developed that immediately link up with important psychological theories and questions. On the other hand, the models in question are being used in substantive research, in which they are used to sharpen theories and questions and to analyze empirical data. Whereas the group as a whole addresses the combination of modeling and substantive research, individual researchers may be involved in either purely formal work (implying model development and expansion; design, implementation and evaluation of associated algorithms and model checking procedures), or in purely substantive work (implying the collection and analysis of empirical data), and, in particular cases, in the conjunction of both.
The current core research theme of the group pertains to the development and application of a broad range of quantitative models and algorithms for the study of emotions. In our substantive work we take a componential approach to emotion research. In such an approach, emotions are not considered as unitary wholes, but as a complex of components, including appraisals, action tendencies and subjective emotional meta-experience. One of our key substantive research objectives is to arrive at a better understanding of the componential architecture of emotions (and, in particular, of anger). Moreover, our substantive research is characterized by a special emphasis on individual differences, and on variation across situational contexts and across time (e.g., frequency and duration of anger episodes and individual differences therein).
Key quantitative models and techniques that are being studied include: models of classification (including biclustering), techniques of pattern recognition and data mining, Bayesian networks, generalized (non)linear mixed models, discrete-time survival models and diffusion models. Special emphasis in the modeling is put on discrete and continuous representations of individual differences (e.g., through classifications of persons into types, mixture modeling, and models including random effects).
The research group consists of 15-20 members, including three full professors (Paul De Boeck, Francis Tuerlinckx, and Iven Van Mechelen). It is part of the University of Leuven, a center of high-level research located near Brussels, the capital of Europe. The research group participates in the Dutch Graduate School on Psychometrics and Sociometrics (IOPS) and in the Interuniversity Attraction Pole P5/24 on 'Statistical techniques and modeling for complex substantive questions with complex data'.
The working environment of the research group can be characterized by two major features:
(1) We operate as a group, with a lot of interaction between the different group members, which implies sharing expertise, linking up with and benefiting from previous and concurrent research efforts of the group. As such, all research projects of individual group members directly relate to the overall research theme of the group. An important activity in the strengthening of the relations within the group is the weekly seminar of the group, in which members present their ongoing work (with room for discussion, requests for advice etc.). This seminar is in English (which is mastered by all members of the group).
(2) The group is strongly output-oriented, output primarily referring to publications in high-ranked international journals. As such, PhD projects are conceived as a series of subprojects that each aim at a paper to be submitted to an international journal (a PhD thesis consisting of a linked series of such papers). Also, postdoc projects are required to yield a both qualitatively and quantitatively excellent output. The strong emphasis on output is not only guided by requirements of the institutions from which the group receives a considerable amount of grants, but also by the belief that a series of successive publication attempts fosters the learning process during a PhD training, and ultimately by the conviction that communication is an essential part of any scientific endeavor.
2. List of a few exemplary publications of the research group
Ceulemans, E., Van Mechelen, I., & Leenen, I. (2003). Tucker3 hierarchical classes analysis. Psychometrika, 68, 413-433.
De Boeck, P. & Wilson, M. (Eds.). (2004). Explanatory item response models: A generalized linear and nonlinear approach. New York: Springer-Verlag.
De Boeck, P., Wilson, M., & Acton, S. (2005). A conceptual and psychometric framework for distinguishing categories and dimensions. Pychological Review, 112, 129-158.
Gelman, A., Goegebeur, Y., Tuerlinckx, F., & Van Mechelen, I. (2000). Diagnostic checks for discrete-data regression models using posterior predictive simulations. Applied Statistics, 42, 247-268.
Kuppens, P., Van Mechelen, I., Smits, D. J. M., & De Boeck, P. (2003). The appraisal basis of anger and irritation: Specificity, necessity and sufficiency. Emotion, 3, 254-269.
Ratcliff, R., & Tuerlinckx, F. (2002). Estimating the parameters of the diffusion model: Approaches to dealing with contaminant reaction times and parameter variability. Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, 9, 438-481.
Van Mechelen, I., Bock, H.-H., & De Boeck, P. (2004). Two-mode clustering methods: A structural overview. Statistical Methods in Medical Research, 13, 363-394.
Vansteelandt, K., & Van Mechelen, I. (1998). Individual differences in situation-behavior profiles: A triple typology model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75, 751-765.
3. Overview of current openings
(a) 1 quantitative PhD position (2 x 2 years), starting date to be negotiated; diploma requirements: Engineer, Commercial Engineer, Master of Sciences, Master of Statistics, or Master in the Behavioral Sciences with sound knowledge of statistics and data analysis
(b) 1 quantitative postdoc position (1 year with possibility for extension up to 3 years), starting date to be negotiated; diploma requirements: doctoral degree with specialization in mathematical modeling, numerical optimization or statistics
(c) 1 substantive PhD position (2 x 2 years), starting date to be negotiated; diploma requirements: Master in the Behavioral Sciences (preferably psychology)
(d) 1 substantive postdoc position (1 year with possibility for extension up to 3 years), starting date to be negotiated; diploma requirements: PhD in psychology
(e) fellowships for postdoctoral researchers, assistant, associate and full professors (period of at least three months up to two years), starting date to be negotiated; requirements: strong publication list and, depending on the type of fellowship, collaborative project proposal
PhD openings are based on two-year contracts; the associated appointments, however, imply a moral commitment from both parties to go for a full four-year appointment that ends up in a PhD thesis. For some PhD appointments it is possible to make the appointment being preceded by a predoctoral training year ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
Tentative salary amounts:
predoctoral position: 1000 Euro/month; PhD position: 1500 Euro/month; postdoc position: 2000 Euro/month; fellowships: cost refund or salary depending on payment by home university.
4. How to apply
To apply, the following documents are to be sent to Iven Van Mechelen, Tiensestraat 102, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium:
(1) a filled out and signed application form (C3 form), which can be downloaded from: http://ppw.kuleuven.be/okp/download/form-c3.doc
Section 1 of this form has to be filled out as follows:
- leave reference blank
- project: specify whether you apply for (a) a PhD or a postdoc position, and (b) a substantive position, a quantitative position, or a mixed substantive quantitative position
- Faculty: Psychology and Educational Sciences
- Department: Psychology
- Section: Research Group on Quantitative Psychology and individual Differences
(2) full vita, including detailed transcript of all university study results, full publication list, overview of professional career
(3) two reference letters (in sealed envelope)
(4) for applicants for a postdoc position: copies of your two most representative international publications
(5) for applicants who are not native English or Dutch speakers: report of TOEFL test
5. Contact information
Further information can be obtained from:Iven Van Mechelen, Tiensestraat 102, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
e-mail: