Doctoral fellow

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.

YOUR TASKS

• 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.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

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 analyze 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: https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.06112

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.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• 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 data 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 modeling (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. Click here 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. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

INTERESTED?

Send your cv, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to both Yves.Rosseel@UGent.be and Tamara.Schamberger@uni-bielefeld.de
We do not accept late applications.

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.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Dr. Yves Rosseel (Yves.Rosseel@UGent.be) or Dr. Tamara Schamberger (Tamara.Schamberger@uni-bielefeld.de).