PhD Researcher: Leadership Development and Employee Growth
Explore how leaders cultivate employee development in an interdisciplinary PhD programme at the University of Leuven.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a strong background in psychology, educational sciences, or related fields, interested in leadership development and employee growth.
Overview
This PhD position focuses on investigating the dynamics of leadership and employee development within organizational settings. Conducted in collaboration with Life Science Network gGmbH and hosted at the University of Leuven, the project aims to uncover the mechanisms through which leaders foster growth and engagement in their teams. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research in psychological and educational sciences, applying rigorous methodologies to analyze leadership practices and their impact on employee development. The role is ideal for researchers passionate about organizational behavior, human resource strategies, and evidence-based leadership training.
What you'll do
- Conduct empirical research to investigate how leaders develop and support their employees' growth within organizational contexts.
- Design and implement research methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and case studies, to gather data on leadership practices and employee development.
- Analyze and interpret research findings to derive actionable insights for leadership training and organizational development.
- Collaborate with academic and industry partners to ensure the relevance and applicability of research outcomes.
- Present research findings at academic conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to teaching and mentoring activities, such as supervising master’s students or assisting in workshops.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Psychology, Educational Sciences, Human Resource Management, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency at a level suitable for academic research and publication
Instruction: English
- Strong research skills in qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies
- Experience with data collection techniques (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups)
- Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, or Python for data analysis)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
- No specific nationality restrictions, but eligibility may depend on funding or institutional policies
- Applicants must not have already completed a PhD
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-03 (Africa/Abidjan)
Applicants should submit their application through the official portal provided by Life Science Network gGmbH. The application package typically includes a detailed CV, a motivation letter, a research proposal, and academic transcripts. Additional documents such as reference letters may also be required. For further instructions, visit the Life Science Network job portal.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Reference letters (if required)
Contact
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