Doctoral researcher in research project on Daily Affect Dynamics in Very Old Age

About The FHSE

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) at the University of Luxembourg brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences.

People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed. The faculty’s research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society.

Your role

Applications for a doctoral position are invited in the research project “Daily Affect Dynamics in Very Old Age Across Time: The Role of Vulnerabilities But Also Strengths” (PI: Anna Kornadt) funded by the Fonds Nationale de la Recherche Luxembourg (INTER/DFG/24/18710673). The project is a cooperation with Humboldt University Berlin and Heidelberg University.

This project aims to investigate both strengths and vulnerabilities in very old age and to shed light on their influence on affect experience, stress reactivity and stress regulation in everyday life of very old adults. We will examine 3 samples of very old adults (80 years and older; n = 360) in Berlin, Heidelberg and Luxembourg (n = 120 at each study site). At three measurement points in 6-month intervals, the study participants will report on their resources, risk factors, health and well-being with the help of interviews. In addition, the participants will take part in a 7-day "ecological momentary assessment" at each of these three measurement points, which will collect detailed information on the dynamics of stress reactivity, but also on positive experiences and the role of strengths and weaknesses in the everyday lives of the very old.

The candidate will be part of the Institute for Lifespan Development, Family and Culture: https://www.uni.lu/fhse-en/research-groups/institute-for-lifespan-development-family-and-culture/

Responsibilities:

• Obtaining a PhD in Psychology with a topic within the scope of the research project
• Data collection in Luxembourg (home visits to very old adults; phone-based screening interviews)
• Support project management and project execution (e.g., contact with study participants, coordinating data collection)
• Communication with project partners and independent instruction of student assistants
• Administrative responsibilities within the project
• Data analysis and publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting at international scientific conferences.
• Contribute to and support (on-going and future) research-related activities of the research group
  
  

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Anna Kornadt ([email protected]).

Your profile

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Psychology or a related field
• Profound interest in the psychology of aging and lifespan development
• Interest in studies of ambulatory assessment and very old age
• Good interpersonal skills and interest of working with older adults
• Good knowledge of and interest in longitudinal quantitative methods (e.g., multivariate analyses, longitudinal analyses, multilevel analyses); willingness to learn advanced quantitative methods
• Fluency in both written and spoken English, along with proficiency in either French or German. Knowledge of Luxembourgish is an advantage
• Enthusiasm and enjoyment for research and science, strong personal commitment
  
  

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …
  
  

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• The name of one referee
• A brief (around 500 W) sketch for a potential PhD project (research question, a short literature review, an overview over the methods and data that you aim to use), related to the design and topics of the research project
  
  

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. To ensure full consideration, please apply by May 15th, 2025 ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Months (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Planned start date: 01.09.2025
• Location: Campus Belval
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07281
  
  

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time).