How do leaders develop their employees?

• Holds (or will soon obtain) a Master's degree in Psychology, or another relevant discipline.
• A strong academic record, with at least a distinction (or equivalent) in the Master's degree.
• Strong interest in scientific research, and in leadership and organizational psychology topics.
• Solid methodological training, with depth in the approach of the position applied for: For the quantitative position, a strong affinity for quantitative methods and statistics (e.g., multilevel analysis, SEM); for the qualitative position, a strong affinity for qualitative methods (e.g., interviewing, thematic and case-based analysis). Familiarity with the other approach is an asset.
• Independent and flexible, with good organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills within a research team.
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English.
• Motivated to invest in further training, in both theory and research methods.
• Motivated to publish research in high-quality international scientific journals and to present findings at international conferences.
• Interested in teaching and supervising students.
• Committed to obtaining a PhD within the four-year appointment.

Leaders play a crucial role in helping their employees grow, not only in performance but also in knowledge and skills. Yet we know surprisingly little about how leaders actually do this. What concrete strategies do they use to guide and develop employees? And why does one leader's approach work better than another's?

This PhD research digs into the heart of that question. We examine the mechanisms and behaviors through which leaders shape employee development, from providing growth opportunities and feedback to creating a climate in which learning feels natural. By making these strategies visible and measurable, we aim to contribute to a renewed understanding of leadership that is both theoretically relevant and practically applicable.

We are looking to fill two PhD positions for curious, ambitious candidates with a passion for organizational psychology and leadership research. The two positions are methodologically complementary: one focuses on quantitative work (survey and experimental designs, multilevel and longitudinal analysis), the other on qualitative work (interviews, observation, and case-based designs). Both candidates work on the same overarching question and collaborate closely, in an inspiring research environment where the two approaches inform each other.

You will be embedded in the research unit Occupational & Organisational Psychology and Professional Learning (O2L) at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven (https://ppw.kuleuven.be/o2l/english). O2L brings together researchers working on work, organizational behavior, and professional learning, and offers a collaborative environment with active seminar series, methodological support and international collaborations. Within O2L, you will work in the interdisciplinary research group of this project, jointly supervised by Prof. dr. Jeroen Stouten (Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven) and Prof. dr. Katleen De Stobbeleir (Vlerick Business School). Jeroen Stouten is Professor of Organizational Psychology and studies leadership and organizational change. Katleen De Stobbeleir is Professor of Leadership at Vlerick Business School and KU Leuven, where she directs the Centre for Excellence in Leading Adaptive Organisations; her research focuses on adaptive leadership, coaching, feedback processes and proactivity at work. This dual affiliation gives you access to both a strong psychological research tradition and a business school network with close ties to practice.

• Two fully funded and full-time PhD scholarships for one year, renewable up to four years upon positive evaluation.
• A research budget for data collection, conferences, and training.
• Starting date: from January 2027, subject to approval by the doctoral committee
• Throughout your doctoral training, you will be encouraged to publish in leading international journals, present your work at international conferences, collaborate with renowned researchers, and build an international scientific network.
• A research affiliation with Vlerick Business School, giving you access to its faculty, research infrastructure and corporate network.
• KU Leuven offers a competitive PhD salary and benefits, access to excellent research facilities, extensive training opportunities, and a vibrant international academic community in the historic city of Leuven.
• KU Leuven offers a wide range of company benefits https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/management-and-professionals/management-and-professionals-information#working-conditions