PhD position The Conversational Dynamics of Polarization
Solliciteer nuPhD position The Conversational Dynamics of Polarization
The Social Psychology Group of the University of Groningen invites applications for a PhD position. This new position is part of the Vidi project of Namkje Koudenburg “The conversational dynamics of polarization: bottom-up drivers of societal division and democratic resilience”, funded by NWO. The successful candidate will work together with Prof. Namkje Koudenburg and Prof. Lise Jans.
Polarization (e.g., on topics of climate change, immigration etc) is one of the most urgent challenges facing Western democracies today. The Vidi-project investigates how face-to-face conversational dynamics contribute to radical polarization, and how they can be harnessed to promote healthier democratic discourse. Integrating social-psychological theorizing with insights from political, cultural, and communication studies, this project aims to analyse how micro-level dynamics in everyday conversations shape perceptions of polarization and public discourse. The core aims are to understand the principles of bottom-up polarization and develop guidelines for de-escalating discussions in both laboratory micro-societies and in applied settings. Through partnerships with governmental bodies, the applicant will co-develop interventions to improve democratic discourse—particularly in public participation initiatives.
The PhD candidate will work on three sub-projects. Sub-project 1 assesses polarizing conversational dynamics in laboratory micro-societies. We are interested in how (experimentally induced) perceptions of structural polarization impact conversational dynamics. Using a mixed-method approach, we examine effects on change trajectories of observed conversational dynamics and self-reported psychological experiences in social networks. Sub-project 2 experimentally manipulates the flow of conversational dynamics in video-taped interactions to examine how these affect perceptions of structural differentiation, and willingness to engage with like-minded and opposing individuals. In collaboration with a governmental partner, Sub-project 3 aims to design and test an intervention to improve deliberation within small group discussions, by reducing the relational threat stemming from opinion differences.
PhD position The Conversational Dynamics of Polarization
Solliciteer nu
What are you going to do?
- Theorize and develop your own research questions.
- Lead a series of experimental laboratory studies.
- Analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
- Coordinate and organize the set-up of a field intervention study.
- Collaborate closely with project partners (e.g. a governmental partner), to conduct the research and to disseminate your findings in practice.
- Publish the results of your studies in international scientific journals, and present your studies at international conferences.
- Teach in undergraduate psychology courses.
Who are you?
We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:
- A (Research) Master’s degree in social psychology or a related discipline.
- A solid training in social psychology, quantitative methods and statistics.
- Experience with the qualitative analysis of conversational data.
- Experience with theory-driven research with a clear eye for practical implications.
- An excellent academic record.
- Eagerness to publish international articles and write a dissertation.
- Demonstrable competences as conceptual capacity, presenting, monitoring, planning and organizing.
- Excellent command of English and academic writing skills.
- A good command of Dutch spoken and written language is a plus.
- The ability to manage collaborations with partners in and outside academia (e.g. relevant stakeholders).
- A team player with strong communication skills.
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 up to a maximum of € 3.881 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- A temporary employment of 1.0 FTE for a period of four years. You will first receive temporary employment for the period of one year. After a positive Results and Development Interview, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of three years.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
De Faculteit Gedrags- en Maatschappijwetenschappen (GMW) is sterk in onderzoek en onderwijs op het gebied van gedrag, denken, leren en samenleven van mensen. Meer dan 4.500 studenten en circa 650 medewerkers werken aan sociale vraagstukken en uitdagingen die mensen ervaren in het dagelijks leven. Centraal staat de individuele en maatschappelijke veerkracht en de vraag hoe we deze kunnen vergroten. We richten ons hierbij op actuele thema’s als gezondheid & welzijn, duurzaam leven, leren & ontwikkelen, inclusieve samenleving, veilig opgroeien en werk & samenwerken. Wil je meer weten over de Faculteit Gedrags- en Maatschappijwetenschappen? Kijk dan op rug.nl/gmw.
The Department of Psychology has an excellent scientific reputation reflected, among others, in high rankings. The Social Psychology group is known for outstanding research in group processes, inter-group relations, with an emphasis on conflict, diversity, well-being, communication, and collective action. This standing is reflected, among other things, in the impact of our research in the international academic community. But we also conduct highly impactful ‘applied’ work that focuses on some of the most pressing issues and topics nationally and regionally. Because of this, the group has established excellent connections with partners across the breadth of society. We offer teaching at all levels of the Bachelor and Master curriculum, including the faculty’s Research Master of Behavioral and Social Science. For more information about the group, see https://www.rug.nl/gmw/research/psychology/research-units/social-psychology/ Beyond this, the PhD will be part of the national graduate school of social and organizational psychology, the Kurt Lewin Institute.
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Application procedure
Nadat je jouw sollicitatie hebt ingediend, ontvang je een bevestiging per mail.
De selectiecommissie beoordeelt je sollicitatie en laat je zo spoedig mogelijk weten of je wordt uitgenodigd voor een gesprek.
We leren elkaar graag beter kennen tijdens een eerste gesprek, dat zowel online als op locatie kan plaatsvinden.
Mogelijk plannen we nog een tweede gesprek met je in. Dit gesprek kan, afhankelijk van de functie, worden aangevuld met een assessment of gastcollege.
Na een positief gesprek, nemen we samen de arbeidsvoorwaarden door. Als alles rond is, heten we je van harte welkom bij de Rijksuniversiteit Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
- CV.
- Cover letter.
- Writing sample.
The selection interviews will take place 18-20 May 2026.
Only submissions via the application form will be considered.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
-
Questions about the content of the job?
Namkje Koudenburg
Associate Professor
N.Koudenburg@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Jasmin Claassen
Human Resources Adviser
J.R.Claassen@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.
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