full-time PhD research position in the field of ADHD and Computer Science

We offer a 4-year full-time PhD research position in the field of ADHD and Computer Science at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & the Faculty of Engineering Technology of the KU Leuven. The candidate will work in the context of our interdisciplinary research group ADHDynamic (see www.ADHDynamisch.be) and the Department of Computer Science, Human Computer Interaction/e-Media lab (see https://iiw.kuleuven.be/onderzoek/emedia/). The candidate will be enrolled in a FWO “red noses” research project ” Stigma of ADHD in adolescents: a game-based awareness training to facilitate attitude change in schools “.

ADHD is one of the most prevalent disorders in adolescence. Stigma towards individuals with ADHD (especially from peers) is highly prevalent and impairing, urging the need for effective remediation strategies of this stigma towards ADHD. Schools need to integrate handling diversity in their educational programs. However, to date no effective school-based stigma remediation program is available for ADHD that is targeted towards the needs and interests of adolescents. Digital applications are highly motivating for adolescents. A game based program (that is developed together with adolescents) may be the most ideal digital application to reduce stigma for adolescents, as the gaming experience creates optimal effectiveness through enhanced motivation and empathy through this interactive motivating experience. In this study, we develop a gaming ADHD Awareness Training through participatory design with adolescents with ADHD, thus assuring that the intervention reflects the lived experiences of adolescents with ADHD. Furthermore we will explore the effectiveness of this school-based gaming ADHD Awareness Training as compared to a traditional ADHD Awareness Training and a control condition in adolescents both on the short and long term using multimethod assessment of stigma. Further, we will explore for which group of adolescents which intervention is the most effective and what the working mechanism of the intervention are.

We are looking for highly motivated applicants who have or will get (academic year 2019-2020) a Master’s degree in Psychology, Parenting and Educational Sciences, Sociology, Human-Computer Interaction or other related disciplines. The applicant is a critical thinker, is research-minded, independent, but also a team player. Candidates are expected to speak Dutch, because the job includes working with Dutch-speaking adolescents

Further the candidate has:

• Interest in video games, ideally knowledge of game design and an interest in scripting (e.g., Python) or high-level game development tools (e.g., Game Maker or Unity)
• Strong affinity with ADHD and adolescents
• Strong affinity with qualitative research and research in schools
• Good statistical skills
• Good organizational and social skills
• Good speaking and academic writing skills in English and Dutch

The assignment involves a full-time position for 1 year, after positive evaluation another 3 years. The candidate is expected to complete a PhD within these 4 years. We offer a dynamic, stimulating and supportive research environment with our interdisciplinary research group ADHDynamic and the e-Media Research Lab. The candidate will work at both groups.

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Saskia Van der Oord, mail: saskia.vanderoord@kuleuven.be,  Prof. dr. Kathrin Gerling, mail: kathrin.gerling@kuleuven.be, Prof.dr. Marina Danckaerts, mail: marina.danckaerts@kuleuven.be, Prof.dr. Dieter Baeyens, mail: dieter.baeyens@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be