PostDoc position: Social Media and Polarisation Wageningen • Wageningen University & Research

Are you looking for a PostDoc position (2 years) in communication science? Are you interested in how social media affect polarization on pressing issues such as climate change and immigration? We are seeking a postdoc candidate in communication science who will combine a substantial interest, theoretical knowledge, and experience in political communication with strong methodological skills. The PostDoc position is part of the NWO-funded VIDI 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 conduct cutting-edge research on communication in digital interactions 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 innovative multimethod quantitative approaches, such as longitudinal survey research, (automated) content analysis, and experiments. You will work closely with the PI, members of the Strategic Communication group, and another PhD student who is part of the project.

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

The group and project team emphasize an engaging, collegial, and productive work atmosphere, value collaboration and peer support, and combine profound expertise on political, environmental, and science communication with state-of-the-art methods skills. 

You possess:

• a successfully completed PhD degree in Communication Science, or a related discipline such as Political Science or Sociology. Candidates currently finalizing their PhD are also eligible, on the condition that they have completed (or approved) their dissertation by the time the project starts.
• an interest in political communication and willingness to have a societal impact;
• an empirical research focus and knowledge of quantitative content analysis and computational methods;
• proven proficiency in statistical software such as Stata, R and/or Python.
• a scientific mindset, inquisitive personality, team player, and the capacity to work independently;

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

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and 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 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

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.

Welcome, safe, and valued
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.