Job Description
The lab strives for excellence in research. The research unit publishes at the highest scientific level in communication science (e.g. Journal of Communication, Human Communication Research, New Media & Society, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Media Psychology). Lab researchers play a crucial role in various national and international multidisciplinary research projects, mainly of a fundamental nature but always with great societal relevance.
Function
Firstly, the candidate will strengthen the research unit by publishing in international top journals and by helping to write research proposals for (inter)national funds. In addition, the candidate will collaborate with the research coordinator of the group: in close consultation with the head of the research unit, the candidate will help to further develop the research policy, write joint research proposals and provide reinforcement for ongoing research projects.
For example, the postdoctoral assistant will support the head of the Lab in monitoring data management and open science practices, and in aligning these with the new data management structure of KU Leuven. The candidate will also participate in consultation moments with stakeholders (such as meetings on the DSA law and its implications for researchers within the European Commission).
The postdoctoral assistant works together with the professors of the Lab on writing, among other things, an SBO proposal on digital media effects. The candidate is responsible for supervising the establishment of a project group and co-writing parts of the proposal.
In addition, within the Lab, various datasets are available (such as three-wave panel data from the MIMIc project), which will be further analyzed by the postdoc in collaboration with the professors. This with a view to writing new research articles and supporting the revision of existing manuscripts for scientific journals.
Secondly, the candidate will take on teaching assignments in the Bachelor’s and/or (international) Master’s degree in Communication Sciences.
https://www.kuleuven.be/opleidingen/master-communicatiewetenschappen
https://www.kuleuven.be/opleidingen/bachelor-communicatiewetenschappen
The candidate supervises master theses within his/her area of ​​expertise, teaches and/or coordinates a bachelor’s or master’s course, and participates in the evaluation of exams. Together with postdoctoral assistants from the two other research groups, the Lab for Media, Information & Persuasion and the Lab for Media, Culture & Policy, the candidate organizes seminars, lectures or other intellectual activities for the entire department of Communication Sciences.
This combination of teaching and research development opportunities makes this postdoc position a valuable springboard for a solid academic career.
Profile
The candidate:
- has recently obtained a PhD in communication sciences or another field within the social sciences;
- works on research themes that are in line with or complement the research lines of the Media Psychology Lab research unit;
- has an excellent research profile and has published several articles in international, peer-reviewed, top academic journals (in communication sciences);
- has extensive experience with quantitative and/or qualitative methods and a strong affinity with theory within the social sciences;
- has experience with and interest in education within bachelor’s or master’s programs;
- has excellent organizational skills;
- is a real team player, collegial and enjoys working with colleagues;
- has an excellent command of English.
Offer
We offer an appointment as a doctoral assistant of 80% within the research unit Media Psychology Lab, an inspiring, intellectually challenging and international environment. We offer a two-year contract, preferably starting on 8 September 2025. This is linked to a salary in scale 44. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the university scales.
More information about working at KU Leuven can be found here:
https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/werken-bij-kuleuven/werken-bij-kuleuven
Interested?
KU Leuven aims to be an inclusive, respectful and socially safe community. We embrace diversity between individuals and groups as an added value. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are necessary in an ambitious research and educational environment. In our pursuit of equal opportunities, we acknowledge the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, among other things, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national origin, skin color, philosophical beliefs, neurodivergence, disability, health, or socio-economic status. If you have any questions about accessibility or offered support, we are happy to help you at this email address .
Do you have a question about the online application procedure? Consult our frequently asked questions or send an email to solliciteren@kuleuven.be
