PhD candidate: Perceptions of Threat, Intergroup Relations and Polarization

Description

Offer Description: Why do some citizens support far-right political parties and candidates, and what role do perceptions of threat play in shaping their political attitudes and behavior? How do these relationships vary across social and political contexts?We invite applications for a PhD position within an interdisciplinary research project investigating the relationships between authoritarian attitudes, perceived threats, and support for the far right. Bringing together perspectives from social psychology and political science, the ARC advanced project aims to develop an integrated theoretical framework and generate new empirical evidence on the psychological and contextual factors underlying political polarization, intolerance, and support for far-right politics.An important empirical component of the project concerns Belgium, with a particular focus on Brussels. As a highly diverse urban context characterized by significant socioeconomic inequalities, Brussels offers an especially valuable setting in which to investigate how social and political contexts shape threat perceptions and political behavior.The project also aims to contribute to joint survey research around the Belgian electoral cycles of 2029 and 2030, including voter surveys and research on local electoral contexts. The candidate will have opportunities to engage in collaborative data collection and interdisciplinary research activities across the participating teams. Job description: The vacancy involves a 3.5-year paid, fulltime position as a PhD student, starting on 1 January 2027, in the CESCUP research group at the faculty of Psychology, Educational sciences and Speech therapy, Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment at the intersection of social psychology and political science . Requirements: Research Field Psychological sciences » Psychology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Skills/Qualifications You have obtained a master’s diploma in (social) psychology or another field that is relevant for this PhD project You are interested in and are strongly motivated to conduct research in the domain of intergroup relations and political attitudes, notably prejudice, threat and polarisation You are interested in and possibly already have experience in conducting scientific research, including literature review, data collection, data analysis and reporting You have strong quantitative research and statistical skills You possess excellent interpersonal skills and are prepared to collaborate in a research team You possess excellent writing and presentation skills in English Specific Requirements You will be involved in the execution of the research project You will prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of psychology You will aim to publish scientific articles related to the project and engage in other types of science communication (e.g., active participation in national or international conferences, workshops, seminars) As the ULB is a french-speaking university, some knowledge of French is a plus Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent Research Field Psychological sciences » Other Additional Information: Benefits In addition to a full-time scholarship (comparable to a competitive Belgian salary), you will benefit from health care and social security. There are also many on-site services at the ULB: medical centre, university hospital, sports centre, subsidized restaurants, cultural centre, crèche, activities for children, … Selection process Applications (including curriculum vitae, detailed overview of study results and grades, motivation letter and names of two people who can provide a reference letter for you) should be sent to [email protected] , subject line: PhD position ARC avancé Required documents: CV, overview of study results, motivation letter. The position remains open until it is filled. For additional information, please contact: For more information about th

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Source

Source: euraxess.ec.europa.eu