Postdoctoral Scholarship in Social Sciences

University of Antwerp

Department: Communication Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp
Regime: Full-time (100%)

Position Details

• Duration: 1-year doctoral scholarship, extendable up to 4 years following positive evaluation
• Start Date: June 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
• Location: City Campus, University of Antwerp, with occasional work at Maastricht University (Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Science, Department of Rheumatology)
• Application Deadline: April 23, 2026 (midnight Brussels time)

About the Project

The doctoral project is part of the CircBioCare consortium (https://www.circbiocare.com), which develops AI-informed early detection tools for knee osteoarthritis—a leading cause of disability affecting over half a billion people globally.

Focus: Investigate how AI-based early detection tools can be communicated to societal stakeholders to promote acceptance and uptake.

Research Environment: Embedded within the MIOS research group (Media & ICT in Organisations & Society), part of an interdisciplinary network across faculties.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and defend a PhD thesis in Medical Communication and Psychology.
• Conduct research and publish scientific articles related to the project.
• Present research at national and international conferences.
• Participate in the activities of the MIOS research group.
• Carry out limited teaching support tasks aligned with the research topic.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in Communication Sciences, Medical Psychology, Health Sciences, or related field (must be obtained by start date).
• Strong experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Comfortable conducting research in multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluent Dutch (reading, speaking, writing) and fluent English.
• Research and teaching qualities aligned with university policies.
• Attention to quality, integrity, creativity, cooperation, and a result-oriented academic attitude.

What We Offer

• Doctoral scholarship according to University of Antwerp pay scales.
• Ecocheques, internet connectivity allowance, and bicycle allowance or public transport reimbursement.
• Access to a broad range of courses and educational credits via the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and stimulating working environment.

Application Instructions

Apply via the University of Antwerp online job application platform. Include:

1. Motivation letter
2. Academic CV
3. Transcript of records

Selection Process:

• Committee reviews applications after the deadline.
• Interviews expected in the first two weeks of May (online options available).

Contact for Inquiries:

• Prof. Dr. Gert-Jan de Bruijn (MIOS Professor Strategic Communication and AI) – Gert-Jan.deBruijn@uantwerpen.be

Equal Opportunity

• University of Antwerp promotes diversity and inclusion, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds.
• Policies are guided by the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award.

Apply