Researcher in statistical modeling

Itec is a research group at KU Leuven and imec, Flanders’ high-tech research and innovation hub for nanoelectronics and digital technologies. On the KU Leuven campus in Kortrijk, the group conducts interdisciplinary research focused on the design, development, and evaluation of personalized and adaptive digital solutions. Itec’s primary application domains include education, training, and health
You will be joining the statistical modeling team, which focuses on developing and evaluating methods to accurately and comprehensively capture and track learning.
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Responsibilities

As a researcher in statistical modeling, you will support our ongoing research projects in personalized learning systems by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to model and analyze learner behaviors. These research projects are industrially relevant and conducted in collaboration with other research groups and companies. More specifically, you will:

• Assist in developing and implementing statistical models to analyze learner data and inform personalized learning strategies.
• Contribute to the design of new methodologies for integrating diverse data sources in personalized learning systems.
• Collaborate with researchers and industry partners to apply statistical models in real-world settings.
• Address challenges related to data availability and quality (e.g., missing or incomplete data).
• Review scientific literature to ensure research is grounded in the latest theoretical and methodological developments.
• Support the interpretation of statistical outputs to guide data-driven decision-making.
• Communicate statistical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Participate in the preparation of research papers, reports, and presentations.

Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in statistics, psychometrics, data analytics, computer science, machine learning, quantitative psychology, or a related field.
• Your technical expertise ideally includes (but can be further developed on-the-job):

         - Proficiency in statistical techniques, such as item response theory, multilevel modeling, and factor analysis.
         - Familiarity with psychometric methods, including item analysis and validity assessment.
         - Experience with machine learning techniques to develop predictive models for analyzing and forecasting learner performance.
         - Experience in writing research proposals, peer-reviewed publications, and summary reports that meet academic standards and stakeholder expectations.
         - Ability to work with complex and incomplete datasets, applying appropriate preprocessing and imputation techniques.
         - Proficiency in programming languages, such as R or Python, for data manipulation and analysis.

• You possess strong problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a research-oriented mindset. You can take initiative and excel both independently and as part of a team.
• Additionally, you have excellent communication skills, with fluency in English and preferably Dutch, both spoken and written.

Offer

• We offer full-time employment for a researcher in statistical modeling. The appointment will be for 1 year initially and can be extended based on a positive evaluation and available funding. Possible avenues for working toward a doctoral position over time can also be considered.
• The candidate will be working at KU Leuven Campus Kulak in Kortrijk.
• As a researcher, you will have every opportunity to advance your professional career by studying literature, attending seminars and workshops, and interacting with leading researchers from multiple disciplines.
• The position offers flexibility and the opportunity to work in an enthusiastic team in a stimulating, multicultural environment.
• In addition to a competitive salary, KU Leuven also offers several additional benefits, such as hospitalization insurance, eco-vouchers, reimbursement of commuting expenses by public transport, inexpensive meals, and a KU Leuven bicycle.

Interested?

For more information please contact Mr. Sameh Metwaly, mail: or Prof. dr. Wim Van Den Noortgate, tel.: +32 56 24 61 51, mail: [email protected].

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