Doctoral fellow

Job description

Questionnaires, in which respondents report on their attitudes, feelings, perceptions, intentions, personality traits, etc., are commonly used tools in business contexts. This research focuses on mapping the psychometric properties (reliability, validity, dimensionality, etc.) of scales used in questionnaires, with the goal of enhancing methodological insights into questionnaire design and interpretation. Research questions may include the implications of wording scale items and response options for the psychometric properties of Likert scales and how these evolve over time. The project will also explore innovative ways to develop scales, including the use of AI, and their impact on psychometric properties.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the further development of psychometric theory and its practical application in survey research. A dual PhD degree in Psychological Sciences and Applied Economic Sciences will be awarded upon successful completion.
This PhD project will be supervised by several research groups:

• Prof. Dr. Bert Weijters – Research group ‘Consumer Behavior’, Department of Work, Organisation and Society (Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University)
• Prof. Dr. Anneleen Van Kerckhove – Research group ‘Consumer Behavior’, Department of Marketing, Innovation, and Organisation (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University)
• Prof. Dr. Elke Cabooter – Research group ‘Marketing’, Iéseg School of Management, Lille

Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:

• Further develop and carry out at least three sub-studies as part of this project.
• Write, present, and publish scientific, English-language articles based on the research leading to a doctoral dissertation.
• Function effectively within the involved research groups and departments and perform associated tasks.
  
  

Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:

• Further develop and carry out at least three sub-studies as part of this project.
• Write, present, and publish scientific, English-language articles based on the research leading to a doctoral dissertation.
• Function effectively within the involved research groups and departments and perform associated tasks.

Job profile

Candidate Profile
We are looking for a motivated and independent researcher with the following qualifications:

• Candidates must hold a Master's degree with relevant expertise for conducting this type of research. Examples of eligible degrees include Master’s in Psychology, Economics or Applied Economics, Business Administration, Commercial Engineering, Communication Sciences, Sociology, Data Science, or a related field. Other Master’s degrees with relevant expertise will also be considered. Candidates currently in the final year of these Master’s programs, graduating in July 2025, are also eligible.
• Candidates should have a strong academic record (especially in research methodology and statistics) and have distinguished themselves during their studies, preferably multiple times.
• Candidates should have a strong motivation for scientific research.
• Candidates should possess a solid foundation in data analysis.
• Soft skills: Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams. Good communication skills and the ability to adapt communication to different audiences.
• Candidates must be able to work independently, show initiative, be organized, critical, and flexible.
• Candidates should be proactive, enthusiastic, driven, and able to formulate creative research questions.
• Language proficiency: Good command of English is required.
• Candidates should have strong writing and reporting skills and be willing to write English-language manuscripts.
• Candidates should be willing to participate in (inter)national scientific conferences.
• Candidates must meet the conditions to be appointed as a PhD researcher for a period of four years.
• Candidates should be committed to completing a doctoral thesis.

Our Offer

• We offer a full-time position as a PhD researcher, consisting of an initial 12-month period, which, after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total of 48 months (1 year + 3 years).
• The start date is expected to be no earlier than March 1, 2025, but preferably the start takes place by September 1, 2025.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization 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.

How to apply

How to Apply
Please send the following documents by January 31, 2025, to bert.weijters@ugent.be:

• A motivation letter explaining your interest in the project and relevant experience.
• A detailed CV with academic achievements and technical skills.
• Transcripts for all years of higher education.

After the initial selection of applications, a number of candidates will be invited for an interview and possibly an additional test.
Contact
For more information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Bert Weijters at Bert.Weijters@UGent.be or Prof. Dr. Anneleen Van Kerckhove at Anneleen.Vankerckhove@UGent.be.