"PhD Position: Social Media and Polarisation"

Job Description

Are you looking for a PhD position (4 years) in communication science? Are you interested in how social media affects polarization on issues such as climate change and immigration? We are seeking a PhD candidate in communication science who will combine a substantial interest in political communication with strong methodological skills. The PhD position is part of the VIDI-funded project ‘Fueling the fire: How do social media contribute to polarization?’ (PI prof. dr. Sanne Kruikemeier) and is embedded in the Strategic Communication group at Wageningen University and Research. In the project, you will study communication in digital interactions on social media and help develop a new framework on how social media influence both experienced and actual polarization. You will focus on different types of communication on social media and how that affects polarization. You will use an innovative multimethod quantitative approach, such as longitudinal survey research, (automated) content analysis, and experiments. You will work closely with the PI and members of the Strategic Communication group.

You will work here: The research is embedded within the group Strategic Communication (https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/chair-groups/social-sciences/strategic-communication-group.htm), and the VIDI team, which is led by Prof. Sanne Kruikemeier (https://www.wur.nl/en/Persons/Sanne-S-Sanne-Kruikemeier.htm). You will be co-supervised by two other members of the Strategic Communication Group.

Requirements

You possess a successfully completed MSc degree in Communication Science, or a related discipline such as Political Science or Sociology. Candidates currently finalizing their Master’s are also invited to apply, with the condition that the diploma must be completed by the time the project starts (February 1, 2026). An interest in online political communication with a willingness to have a societal impact; an empirical research focus and knowledge of, or the willingness to learn, specific quantitative research methods, including (but not limited to) longitudinal survey research, (automated) content analysis, and experiments; proven proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, Stata and/or R; a scientific mindset, inquisitive personality, team player, and the capacity of working independently. For this position, your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level.

Conditions of Employment

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include: Partially paid parental leave; working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance; there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee; a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%; excellent pension scheme. In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team. The gross salary for the first year is € 2.901,- per month rising to € 3.707,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.