Exploring Leadership Strategies for Employee Development
Two fully funded PhD positions to investigate how leaders foster employee growth through quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Best for:Best for psychology graduates with a strong methodological focus—quantitative researchers skilled in multilevel analysis or qualitative researchers proficient in thematic analysis—who are passionate about leadership, organizational behavior, and evidence-based research.
Overview
This PhD opportunity at KU Leuven invites applicants to explore how leaders develop employees’ skills and knowledge within the interdisciplinary research unit Occupational & Organisational Psychology and Professional Learning (O2L). Supervised jointly by Prof. Jeroen Stouten (KU Leuven) and Prof. Katleen De Stobbeleir (Vlerick Business School), the project combines psychological research traditions with business school insights. Two complementary PhD positions are available: one focusing on quantitative methods (surveys, experiments, multilevel analysis) and the other on qualitative methods (interviews, case studies). Applicants will collaborate closely, contributing to both theoretical and practical advancements in leadership research while benefiting from a supportive, international academic environment in Leuven, Belgium.
What you'll do
- Conduct original research on how leaders shape employee development through feedback, growth opportunities, and learning climates.
- Develop and implement quantitative or qualitative research designs (e.g., surveys, experiments, interviews, case studies) aligned with your methodological specialization.
- Analyze data using advanced statistical tools (e.g., multilevel modeling, SEM) or qualitative analysis techniques (e.g., thematic coding, case-based analysis).
- Collaborate closely with a peer PhD candidate to integrate findings from both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Publish research in high-impact international journals and present findings at academic conferences.
- Engage in teaching and supervising students as part of your doctoral training.
- Participate in seminar series, methodological training, and international research networks within KU Leuven and Vlerick Business School.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in Psychology or a closely related discipline (e.g., Educational Sciences, Organizational Behavior, or equivalent).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; no specific proficiency test required but excellent communication skills are mandatory.
Instruction: English
- Strong academic record with a distinction or equivalent in your Master’s degree.
- Proficiency in quantitative methods (e.g., multilevel analysis, SEM) for the quantitative position or qualitative methods (e.g., interviewing, thematic analysis) for the qualitative position.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Independent research experience and ability to manage time effectively.
- Commitment to completing a PhD within four years.
- No nationality restrictions.
- Applicants must hold or be about to obtain a Master’s degree.
- No age restrictions or prior experience caps mentioned.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-03
Applicants must submit a motivation letter (max. two pages) specifying whether they are applying for the quantitative, qualitative, or both positions, along with a curriculum vitae. Applications must be submitted via the online application tool by the deadline.
- Motivation letter (max. two pages)
- Curriculum vitae
Contact
Prof. Jeroen Stouten / Prof. Katleen De Stobbeleir· Supervisors
Jeroen.stouten@kuleuven.be, katleen.destobbeleir@vlerick.com
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