Postdoctoral Researcher –Polarization in Adolescence (UAPA Project)

Postdoc @KU Leuven posted 3 days ago

Job Description

Project

How can schools in democratic societies address polarization among young people? What are the structural and individual factors that contribute to adolescents developing strong negative feelings towards peers or political groups with opposing views? These are central questions addressed in the project ‘Understanding Affective Polarization in Adolescence’ (UAPA) – an ambitious interuniversity research initiative funded by FWO/DFG-Weave.

Profile

• You have a PhD in political science, educational sciences, psychology, sociology or a related field.

• You have a strong affinity with the project theme (polarization, democratic formation, political socialization).

• You have demonstrable experience with quantitative research methods, including statistical modeling and/or survey experiments. Knowledge of qualitative methods is an asset.

• You have experience with or interest in interdisciplinary and comparative research (preferably in Belgium/Germany).

• You have excellent academic writing skills and are fluent in English. Very good knowledge of Dutch or German – or willingness to learn one of these languages – is required; knowledge of the other language is a plus.

• You enjoy working in a research team and are committed to a high-quality research environment.

Offer

• A full-time postdoctoral position for two to three years, with an interim evaluation after one year.

• The opportunity to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research in a dynamic and collaborative international team.

• A stimulating academic environment with strong guidance, training opportunities and opportunities for international research stays.

• Your main workplace is in Leuven, a vibrant university city in the heart of Belgium.

• For more information about salary and secondary employment conditions: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/working-at-kuleuven

Interested?

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ellen Claes, tel.: +32 16 32 32 92, mail: ellen.claes@kuleuven.be or Mr. Jan Schoenmakers, tel.: +32 16 37 31 93, mail: jan.schoenmakers@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this vacancy until 11/07/2025 via our online application application

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 .

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