Political communication and democratic legitimacy

PHD Researcher (M/F) – Political communication and democratic legitimacy

The Center for Political Science Research at the University of Leuven is pleased to announce a vacancy for one Ph.D. researcher (f/m) in Political Science. The Centre for Political Science Research is an ambitious, vibrant and research-intensive centre with an extensive international network. The center is at the forefront of fundamental and applied scientific research and is conveniently located just outside Brussels. The centre has extensive expertise in studies on the relationships between citizens and their political system i.e. political engagement, political attitudes, and socialization.
The research project the vacancy is linked to starts off from a concern about the quality of the political debate and its potential dire consequences on democratic legitimacy in Western democracies. In collaboration with the research team, the PhD student will investigate the quality of the political debate and the effect of different communication styles on the legitimacy of politicians and the political system. For instance, what’s the effect of uncivil attacks on political opponents? How does the justification of policy positions and decisions influence democratic legitimacy? How do citizens react to false statements of politicians?
The successful candidate will be offered a fully funded position and the opportunity to pursue innovative doctoral research with outstanding supervision in one of Belgium’s leading research centres of political science. The vacancy is tenable for up to four years from October 2017 onwards (flexible start date). We offer a stimulating working environment in a dynamic, internationally oriented interdisciplinary research team. We strongly invest in research training for PhD students, including summer schools, international conferences and research stays abroad.

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Project

You will be working on a research project on democratic innovation
You will be offered the opportunity to complete a PhD dissertation on democratic innovation
You actively take part in the monthly team meetings where we discuss research ideas, projects and plans
Examination surveillance and attendance at study fairs for the Faculty of Social Sciences belong to the task.

Profile

You hold a master’s degree in social sciences (political sciences, communication sciences, sociology, or other relevant disciplines) and you excelled during your studies.
You are fascinated by the project’s subject matter and by politics in general.
You have an interest in qualitative research and/or quantitative methods and you are willing to develop these skills further.
You have good writing skills, and you are fluent in English.
You are a team player and communicate well

Offer

An employment for one year, renewable to maximally four years upon positive evaluations.
The opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in an interdisciplinary team
A stimulating working environment in a dynamic young ambitious research team that excels in teamwork and coaching and mentoring regarding specific research projects but also personal and career development more generally.
The possibility of extensive training and international mobility.
You will work in Leuven, a historic, dynamic and lively city located in the heart of Belgium, within 20 minutes from Brussels, the capital of the European Union, and less than two hours from Paris, London and Amsterdam.
More information on salary and benefits for KU Leuven PhD students can be found at: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd-info

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Sofie Marien, tel.: +32 16 32 32 47, mail: sofie.marien@kuleuven.be.
Candidacies (motivational letter, curriculum vitae, an official transcript of the grades during your studies as well as your diploma, 1page summary of master thesis) should be submitted via the online application tool of kuleuven) no later than August 13, 2017.