Two PhD candidates in communication science on ‘polarization and climate change’ and ‘politicization of science communication’

We are looking for

Are you looking for a PhD position (4 years) in communication science? Are you interested in polarization and politicization of societal debates? And do you care about climate change and/or science communication? We are looking for two PhD candidates in communication science, who will combine a substantial interest in climate change and/or science communication with strong methodological skills. Both PhD projects are part of the dynamic Strategic Communication group at Wageningen University and Research.  

The first project focuses on the polarization of climate change . It investigates in a longitudinal perspective whether (1) polarization on the issue has indeed increased in the media, public, and political realm; (2) it will relate the degrees and nature of politicization in those different realms, (3) investigate the causes and (electoral) consequences of variation in polarization and (4) address potential depolarizing strategies that can be applied by the actors involved.

The second project addresses the politicization of science communication . This project examines (1) the extent to which different actors (e.g., politicians, citizens) cast doubt about scientific evidence in traditional and digital media, (2) how that affects citizens’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, (3) examine the conditional role of identities in this relationship, and (4) find (journalistic) remedies to counter negative effects.

The research is embedded within the chair group Strategic Communication (https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/chair-groups/social-sciences/strategic-communication-group.htm), and member of the Digital Data and Democracy Lab, which is led by Prof. Sanne Kruikemeier (https://www.wur.nl/en/Persons/Sanne-S-Sanne-Kruikemeier.htm ) and Prof. Rens Vliegenthart (https://www.wur.nl/en/Persons/Rens-prof.dr.-R-Rens-Vliegenthart.htm ). You will be supervised by Kruikemeier and Vliegenthart and will work together with other members of the Strategic Communication Group.

We ask

You have

• 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 (January 1, 2023).
• an interest in climate change and/or science communication with a willingness to have a societal impact;
• a quantitative empirical research focus and knowledge of, or the willingness to learn, specific quantitative research methods, including (but not limited to) content analyses, experiments, and survey research;
• proven proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, Stata and/or R. Proficiency in Python is a plus;
• a scientific mindset, inquisitive personality, team player, and the capacity of working independently;

For

this position, your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level .Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here .
We offer

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

• 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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• 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 December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is € 2.443,- per month rising to € 3.122,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “ Best University ” in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief , known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research’s International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page . A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment .

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Rens Vliegenthart (rens.vliegenthart@wur.nl ) or Sanne Kruikemeier (sanne.kruikemeier@wur.nl ).
For more information about the procedure, please contact Jouke van Oostenvrugge (jouke.vanoostenbrugge@wur.nl) OR Bibi Kengen, HR Advisor (bibi.kengen@wur.nl).

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly by uploading your CV and motivation letter, using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
Please indicate in the letter if you have a preference for project 1, 2 or both.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including the 2nd of November 2022. We hope to schedule the first job interviews on the 14th of November 2022. The preferred starting date for this position is the 1st of January 2023.

We are

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 students and over 150.000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!