Summary
The Astronomy and (astro)Physics Education Research group at KU Leuven is offering a full-time PhD scholarship under the project iMAP. The project focuses on expanding APOS theory (Action-Process-Object-Schema) from mathematics education into physics education. The aim is to understand how university students combine physical meaning with mathematical structure, and to design evidence-based teaching materials and learning environments to bridge the gap between mathematics and physics.
Position Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Position Title / Designation | PhD Student (Full-time) |
| Reference Code | BAP-2026-459 |
| Institution | KU Leuven |
| Department | Department of Physics and Astronomy |
| Research Group | Astronomy and (astro)Physics Education Research group |
| Employment Type | Full-Time (Voltijds) |
| Location | Leuven, Belgium |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 (23:59 CET) |
Research Area
- Physics and Astronomy Education Research
- Mathematics Education Research / Educational Sciences
- Interplay of Mathematics and Physics (APOS Theory)
- STEM Learning & Pedagogy
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: A Master’s degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or an equivalent field.
- Teaching Experience: Strong interest and experience in teaching, particularly at the university level. A degree or qualification in teacher education (Mathematics or Physics) is an added value.
- Language Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of Dutch is a plus.
- Motivation: High motivation and interest in educational research and evidence-based learning environment design.
Job Description
- Conduct educational research extending APOS theory to include physics reasoning.
- Investigate how students learn and apply mathematical descriptions to physics concepts and physical phenomena.
- Identify obstacles and scaffolds in the student learning process.
- Design, develop, and evaluate teaching/learning materials aimed at helping students bridge mathematics and physics.
- Work in close collaboration with the Mathematics Education Research group (Department of Mathematics, KU Leuven) and CASTeL (Center for the Advancement of STEM Teaching and Learning, Dublin City University).
How to Apply
- Review the full position details on the KU Leuven Jobsite.
- Prepare your application materials (CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts).
- Submit your application online using the Online Application Tool.
- For specific project inquiries, contact Prof. dr. Mieke De Cock via email at
mieke.decock@kuleuven.be.
Last Date to Apply
August 31, 2026 (23:59 CET)
