IMAP - Modelling student reasoning at the interplay of Mathematics And Physics

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Educational sciences » Learning studies Educational sciences » Teaching methods Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 31 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Using mathematics in physics requires more than the straightforward application of mathematical procedures. Despite intensive research, it is not yet well understood how students can combine physical meaning with mathematical structure. In this project we further develop our recent proposal to extend APOS theory – a framework from Mathematics Education Research – to include physics. We will refine this proposal and apply it to describe how students learn the mathematical description of physics concepts and phenomena.

Based on this description, we will develop and evaluate teaching/learning materials that support students in their learning process. The ultimate goal is to better understand the learning process and the obstacles and possible scaffolds that allow us to design a learning environment that supports bridging mathematics and physics. This project fits in the ambition of LESEC and the Leuven Institute LIVO (Leuvens Instituut voor Onderwijsonderzoek) to impact on the development of evidence-based education.

Candidates must have completed a master in physics, mathematics, engineering or equivalent; have strong interest and experience in teaching, especially at university level; a grade in teacher education in mathematics or physics brings added value. Candidates should be highly motivated and interested in educational research and should have excellent communication skills in English, both oral and in writing. Dutch knowledge is a plus.

We offer a full-time PhD student position, in an interdisciplinary environment at the borders of physics, mathematics and educational sciences.

We offer a full-time PhD student position, in an interdisciplinary environment at the borders of physics, mathematics and educational sciences.

Candidates must have completed a master in physics, mathematics, engineering or equivalent; have strong interest and experience in teaching, especially at university level; a grade in teacher education in mathematics or physics brings added value. Candidates should be highly motivated and interested in educational research and should have excellent communication skills in English, both oral and in writing. Dutch knowledge is a plus.