Department: PP07 – Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology Degree: Master’s in Psychology or related discipline Occupancy rate: Full-time (100%) Vacancy type: Research staff About Ghent University The Ghent University is a major European research university employing more than 15,000 staff members. It is active in education, research, administration, and societal service, and is internationally recognized for its research-driven academic programmes. Project Title MindBreath: A Synergistic Growth Mindsets and Resonant Breathing Intervention to Foster Stress Resilience in Adolescence Project Overview This PhD position focuses on adolescent mental health and stress resilience. The project addresses the rising prevalence of: Anxiety Depression Stress-related symptoms in adolescents It explores whether combining: Cognitive interventions (growth mindset training) Physiological regulation (slow-paced/resonant breathing) can produce synergistic effects to improve mental well-being. Study Design The project will conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with multiple groups: Mindsets-only intervention Breathing-only intervention Combined mindsets + breathing Active control condition Research Focus The study investigates psychological and physiological mechanisms, including: Psychological Measures Cognitive beliefs (growth mindset) Stress perception Daily stress dynamics Physiological Measures Heart rate variability (HRV) Baroreflex sensitivity Inflammatory activity (downregulation effects) Data Collection Methods Questionnaires Laboratory-based physiological assessments Experience sampling (intensive longitudinal data) School-based data collection (~450 adolescents) Collaboration Environment The project is a collaboration between: Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology (supervisors: Prof. Dr. Matteo Giletta, Dr. Nathalie Michels; Phaselab) Department of Head and Skin (Prof. Dr. Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt; Gheplab) Work will take place at the Dunant campus of Ghent University. Responsibilities The PhD researcher will be responsible for the full research cycle: Obtain ethical approval Recruit adolescent participants in schools (East & West Flanders) Prepare and manage data collection systems Coordinate with app developers Conduct statistical analyses using:Write peer-reviewed scientific publications R Mplus Present at international conferences Produce science communication materials (infographics, videos) Supervise Master’s students Assist in teaching-related activities Candidate Profile Required Master’s degree (preferably research master, minimum cum laude) in: Psychology Or related discipline Strong interest in:Excellent scientific writing and communication skills Adolescent mental health Psychophysiology High proficiency in:Strong organization and teamwork skills English Dutch (oral and written) Ability to work independently and proactively Preferred Experience Data collection in school settings Experience with experience sampling / intensive longitudinal data Multilevel or nested data analysis Tools such as:Willingness to learn advanced statistical methods R Mplus What We Offer Full-time doctoral fellowship (100%) Initial contract: 12 months Total duration: up to 48 months (based on positive evaluation) Start date: no later than 1 October 2026 Academic Environment You will benefit from: International interdisciplinary research team Training opportunities and courses Access to conferences and academic networks Possible research stay abroad Strong supervision (PI + postdoctoral researcher + MSc assistants) Benefits Staff at Ghent University receive: 36 days annual leave (full-time equivalent) Bridge holidays Bicycle commuting allowance Eco vouchers Structured training and career development support Application Procedure Submit applications by 5 July 2026 (23:59 Brussels time) via email: ???? matteo.giletta@ugent.be Required (single PDF): CV Diploma + academic transcript Motivation letter (max 2 pages) Contact details of at least 2 referees Selection Process Initial screening of applications Interviews: 13–16 July 2026 Invitation sent after shortlisting Contact For questions: Prof. Dr. Matteo Giletta ???? matteo.giletta@ugent.be Institutional Values Ghent University promotes: Equal opportunities Diversity and inclusion Open participation regardless of background If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Psychoneuroxy

Department: PP07 – Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology
Degree: Master’s in Psychology or related discipline
Occupancy rate: Full-time (100%)
Vacancy type: Research staff

About Ghent University

The Ghent University is a major European research university employing more than 15,000 staff members. It is active in education, research, administration, and societal service, and is internationally recognized for its research-driven academic programmes.

Project Title

MindBreath: A Synergistic Growth Mindsets and Resonant Breathing Intervention to Foster Stress Resilience in Adolescence

Project Overview

This PhD position focuses on adolescent mental health and stress resilience.

The project addresses the rising prevalence of:

Anxiety
Depression
Stress-related symptoms in adolescents

It explores whether combining:

Cognitive interventions (growth mindset training)
Physiological regulation (slow-paced/resonant breathing)

can produce synergistic effects to improve mental well-being.

Study Design

The project will conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with multiple groups:

Mindsets-only intervention
Breathing-only intervention
Combined mindsets + breathing
Active control condition

Research Focus

The study investigates psychological and physiological mechanisms, including:

Psychological Measures

Cognitive beliefs (growth mindset)
Stress perception
Daily stress dynamics

Physiological Measures

Heart rate variability (HRV)
Baroreflex sensitivity
Inflammatory activity (downregulation effects)

Data Collection Methods

Questionnaires
Laboratory-based physiological assessments
Experience sampling (intensive longitudinal data)
School-based data collection (~450 adolescents)

Collaboration Environment

The project is a collaboration between:

Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology
(supervisors: Prof. Dr. Matteo Giletta, Dr. Nathalie Michels; Phaselab)
Department of Head and Skin
(Prof. Dr. Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt; Gheplab)

Work will take place at the Dunant campus of Ghent University.

Responsibilities

The PhD researcher will be responsible for the full research cycle:

Obtain ethical approval
Recruit adolescent participants in schools (East & West Flanders)
Prepare and manage data collection systems
Coordinate with app developers
Conduct statistical analyses using:Write peer-reviewed scientific publications
- R
- Mplus
Present at international conferences
Produce science communication materials (infographics, videos)
Supervise Master’s students
Assist in teaching-related activities

Candidate Profile

Required

Master’s degree (preferably research master, minimum cum laude) in:
- Psychology
- Or related discipline
Strong interest in:Excellent scientific writing and communication skills
- Adolescent mental health
- Psychophysiology
High proficiency in:Strong organization and teamwork skills
- English
- Dutch (oral and written)
Ability to work independently and proactively