PhD Position: Social Media and Polarisation Wageningen • Wageningen University & Research

Are you looking for a PhD position (4 years) in communication science? Are you interested in how social media affects polarization on issues such as climate change and immigration? We are seeking a PhD candidate in communication science who will combine a substantial interest in political communication with strong methodological skills. The PhD position is part of the VIDI-funded project ‘Fueling the fire: How do social media contribute to polarization?’ (PI prof. dr. Sanne Kruikemeier) and is embedded in the Strategic Communication group at Wageningen University and Research. 

In the project, you will study communication in digital interactions on social media and help develop a new framework on how social media influence both experienced and actual polarization. You will focus on different types of communication on social media and how that affects polarization. You will use an innovative multimethod quantitative approach, such as longitudinal survey research, (automated) content analysis, and experiments. You will work closely with the PI and members of the Strategic Communication group.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the group Strategic Communication (), and the VIDI team, which is led by Prof. Sanne Kruikemeier (). You will be co-supervised by two other members of the Strategic Communication Group.

You possess

• a successfully completed MSc degree in Communication Science, or a related discipline such as Political Science or Sociology. Candidates currently finalizing their Master’s are also invited to apply, with the condition that the diploma must be completed by the time the project starts (February 1, 2026).
• an interest in online political communication with a willingness to have a societal impact;
• an empirical research focus and knowledge of, or the willingness to learn, specific quantitative research methods, including (but not limited to) longitudinal survey research, (automated) content analysis, and experiments;
• proven proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, Stata and/or R;
• a scientific mindset, inquisitive personality, team player, and the capacity of working independently.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

For more information about the position, please contact Sanne Kruikemeier, Professor Digital Media and Society, via or email: sanne.kruikemeier@wur[dot]nl

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jeanine van 't Veer, Corporate recruiter, via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina.

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until 27 October 2025. The first interviews will take place in the first half of November 2025.

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Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

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We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.