Doctoral fellow - Department of Data-Analysis

Organisation/Company Ghent University Research Field Computer science » Programming Computer science » Other Mathematics » Statistics Psychological sciences » Psychology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 1 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Department PP01 - Department of Data-Analysis

Degree a Master degree that implies a profound knowledge of statistics, data analysis and scientific programming

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.

With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

• At least 90% of your assignment will be spent on academic research in preparation of a doctoral dissertation
• You will assist in the internal and external services of the department.

Project:

This project aims to improve how we analyze complex relationships in data using statistical models, particularly when dealing with constructs like attitudes, abilities, or behaviors that can’t be directly observed. Traditionally, these constructs are modeled as either latent variables (abstract concepts that can be indirectly measured) or composites (combinations of observed data). However, current methods for using these models have limitations, especially when trying to combine both latent variables and composites in one analysis.

This project will develop new methods that allow researchers to more accurately analyse data involving both types of constructs, while also addressing issues like measurement error and group differences. We will build on existing statistical techniques and create tools that can be applied using the open‑source R package lavaan.

Reference paper:

Schamberger, T., Schuberth,

F., Henseler, J., & Rosseel, Y. (2025). Structural Equation Modeling with Latent Variables and Composites. arXiv preprint arXiv: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

What we are looking for:

• You have a Master degree that implies a profound knowledge of statistics, data analysis and scientific programming.
• You have affinity with Psychology and Psychometrics.
• You are precise, creative, highly motivated and enthusiastic.
• You have excellent English communication and writing skills.
• You can work on your own, but also enjoy working in a research team.
• Knowledge of R is a must.
• Familiarity with structural equation modeling and lavaan is an asset.

• We offer a full‑time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which – after a positive evaluation – will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 1/04/2026 at the earliest. But any starting date is possible between 1/04/2026 and 1/10/2026.
• The above mentioned project is a research project funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO Vlaanderen). You will be part of the structural equation modelling (SEM) research group (PI: Yves Rosseel) and the lavaan project; the supervisors for this PhD project are Yves Rosseel and Tamara Schamberger (Bielefeld University).
• You will have the opportunity to attend international conferences, publish your results in high‑profile journals and visit relevant research institutes.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax.  for more information about our salary scales.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full‑time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.  for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

The selection procedure consists of two steps. Firstly, a shortlist of the candidates will be made based on their motivation letter and CV. Secondly, the shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (possibly online).

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.