The project is a collaboration between researchers in Belgium and Germany. At KU Leuven, it is led by Prof. Ellen Claes (Voting and Democracy research group). At the University of Münster (Germany), the project is led by Prof. Katrin Hahn-Laudenberg (Civics and Social Science Education, [email protected]). During the first year, the PhD position will be located at the KU Leuven, collaborating with partners in Belgium and Germany. From the second year onwards, the position will be located at the University of Münster, Germany.

Project

While affective and issue polarization has mostly been studied among adults, they may be just as – or even more – impactful during adolescence, a time of identity formation and social influence. UAPA investigates the structural and individual drivers of affective and issue polarization among adolescents in Belgium and Germany, and explores how schools might help mitigate the effects.

The doctoral research will include:

• a literature review on political socialization, polarization, and citizenship education;

• secondary data analysis of existing large-scale studies (e.g. ICCS);

• design and implementation of surveys and survey experiments;

• qualitative interviews and focus groups in schools;

• statistical and qualitative analysis of study data;

• contribution to academic publications and scientific communication.

• Writing a PhD-dissertation on polarization in adolescence

Profile

• You hold (or are close to obtaining) a master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. political science, communication science, sociology, psychology, or educational science).

• You are passionate about politics, democracy, youth studies, and/or education.

• You have a strong interest in research and good analytical skills.

• You have experience with at least basic statistical or qualitative research methods (familiarity with R, SPSS, NVivo, or Mplus is a plus).

• You are fluent in English. Very good knowledge of either Dutch or German—or the willingness to learn one of these languages—is required; knowledge of the respective other language is an asset.

• You are communicative, collaborative, and motivated to work in an international team.

Offer

• A full-time position for one year at KU Leuven, renewable as a 75% part-time position in Münster until the end of January 2029. You apply for a joint PhD trajctory between KU Leuven and University of Münster.

• The opportunity to do cutting-edge research in a strong interdisciplinary and international network.

• A stimulating academic environment with mentoring, training opportunities, and international mobility.

• A doctoral project with societal impact on education and democracy.

• Subsequent workplaces in the vibrant and historic cities of Leuven, Belgium and Münster, Germany.

A joint selection interview will be organised by the KU Leuven and the University of Münster. For more information on salary and benefits for PhD students at KU Leuven:

https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions

Interested?

Please submit:

• a motivation letter,

• your CV,

• an official transcript of academic records and diploma(s),

• a 2-page summary of your master’s thesis.

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ellen Claes, tel.: +32 16 32 32 92, mail: [email protected] or Mr. Jan Schoenmakers, tel.: +32 16 37 31 93, mail: [email protected].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Om tjänsten

Titel

PhD Position –Polarization in Adolescence (UAPA Project)

Arbetsgivare

KU Leuven

Plats

Oude Markt 13 Leuven, Belgien

Publicerad

2025-05-20

Sista ansökningsdag

2025-07-11 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2025-07-11 23:59 (CET)

Befattning

Doktorand

Ämne

Socialpsykologi, Sociologi, Politik

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Publicerad för 1 dag sedan

Closing on: 2025-06-22

Doktorand

Om arbetsgivaren

KU Leuven

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

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PhD Position –Polarization in Adolescence (UAPA Project)

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