The Lab for Media Culture & Policy at KU Leuven is seeking a motivated PhD candidate for a research project to be developed in collaboration with the supervisor(s). The research will be situated within the broad thematic domains of the research group, such as:
- Social media and youth in vulnerable positions (use, risks, and resilience among diverse youth groups)
- Diversity and representation in news media (representation of societal groups and its influence on public perception)
- Alternative media and digital counterpublics (emerging forms of information dissemination and critiques of mainstream media)
- Platformisation and the societal impact of media (the role of algorithms, data, and media platforms in the public sphere)
- Evaluation and impact assessment of media literacy interventions (effectiveness of campaigns and educational programmes)
Website unit
Project
We are looking for a candidate with a solid background in quantitative research methods and a broad methodological interest. You should be comfortable working with complex datasets and curious about how to connect empirical research with societal challenges. You are not only interested in academic inquiry but also eager to translate research results into actionable insights and policy recommendations.
Within this doctoral project, you will have the opportunity—together with your supervisor—to design your own research project, provided it aligns with the thematic priorities of the Lab for Media Culture & Policy. Your methodological expertise will form the foundation of the project, which ideally starts from an empirically grounded problem statement and results in socially and policy-relevant output.
Profile
The ideal candidate:
- Holds a Master’s degree in Communication Studies, Sociology, or Psychology;
- Has a demonstrable interest in media research and societal issues;
- Possesses a strong foundation in quantitative research methods;
- Is willing to further develop expertise in mixed methods and computational techniques (e.g. text or network data);
- Can combine academic writing with the ability to formulate policy-relevant insights;
- Works independently, while also being a team player in an interdisciplinary and international research environment;
- Has excellent command of academic English, with Dutch as native language.
Offer
- You will receive a monthly scholarship in accordance with KU Leuven standards for FLOF doctoral candidates. You will initially receive a one-year contract, but this contract can be extended to a total of four years.
- The scholarship includes social security coverage, insurance, and training opportunities.
- You will be part of a dynamic, international research team and receive support for your academic and professional development.
- Funding for conference attendance, methodological training, and knowledge valorisation initiatives is provided.
Interested?
Application procedure
Submit your application via the KU Leuven Jobsite no later than 11 July 2025 and include the following documents:
- CV
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
- Scan of your Master’s degree (or graduation certificate)
- Optional: a paper or thesis that demonstrates your methodological skills
Recruitment procedure
1. The candidate develops a research proposal in consultation with the supervisor, ensuring thematic alignment with the research group.
2. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an (online) interview. A final decision will be made within a few weeks after the application deadline.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Leen d'Haenens, tel.: +32 16 32 36 20, mail: [email protected].
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