"Research professor in Media Platforms & Society (BOFZAP)"

Position Overview

• Institution: KU Leuven, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Communication Sciences
• Position: Full-time Research Professor (BOFZAP-funded)
• Start Date: September 1, 2026
• Duration: 10 years focused primarily on research with limited teaching, followed by a permanent full professorship
• Open Rank: Suitable for junior (postdoc) to senior professors

Research Focus

• Big Tech governance
• Digital media platforms and societal impact
• Issues such as power concentration, algorithmic governance, social inequalities, democracy
• Interdisciplinary and international research collaboration
• Methods: qualitative, quantitative, computational, or mixed
• Theoretical grounding in political economy and empirical research

Candidate Profile

• PhD in Communication Sciences or relevant social sciences
• Strong research record and potential in Big Tech governance, digital platforms, cultural industries
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and developing innovative theories
• Proven ability to secure funding and lead research teams
• International research experience preferred
• Teaching experience and leadership skills within academia
• Fluent in English; Dutch training provided if needed

Duties

• Develop and lead competitive, internationally recognized research programs
• Supervise Master, PhD students and postdocs
• Limited teaching initially, expanding over time
• Academic leadership, collaboration with colleagues and external partners
• Active participation in public debates and dissemination of research
• Contribute to pedagogic projects and university education vision

Benefits and Support

• Full-time employment in an internationally oriented, research-intensive university
• Starting grant of €110,000 for research setup
• Support for relocation, family, language training, partner career
• Located in Leuven, close to major European cities

Application & Contact

• Deadline: September 2, 2025
• Application language: English
• More info & application procedure contacts:
• Prof. Dr. Leen d’Haenens (leen.dhaenens@kuleuven.be)
• Prof. Dr. Stef Aupers (stef.aupers@kuleuven.be)
• Prof. Dr. Steven Eggermont (steven.eggermont@kuleuven.be)
• Administrative: Kristin Vermeylen, Martine van Nierop
• Online application via KU Leuven portal