Fully-Funded PhD Opportunity at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany: Research on Health-Related (Mis-)Information on Social Media and Its Impact on Young Adults (HARMONY) – Get €2,000/month Tax-Free Stipend
Location: Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany
Application Deadline: April 20, 2025
The Professorship for Ethics of AI and Neuroscience at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position as part of the HARMONY project. This project will explore health-related misinformation on social media and its impact on young adults. If you are passionate about the intersection of social media, public health, and ethics, and have a strong interest in research, we invite you to apply.
About the HARMONY Project
In today’s digital age, social media is a significant source of health-related information for young adults, but it can also spread misinformation. The HARMONY project aims to better understand how health-related misinformation circulates on social media platforms and its influence on young adults’ health decisions. The project is a collaboration between the Technical University of Munich and TU Eindhoven, offering an exciting opportunity for international research collaboration and exposure to interdisciplinary methods.
Role and Responsibilities
As a PhD candidate in this project, you will be tasked with reviewing existing literature, conducting focus groups with young social media users, and analyzing health-related media content targeted at young adults. You will have the freedom to shape the direction of your research while contributing to a broader international team effort.
Additionally, you will receive support for a research stay abroad as part of the project’s international collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct literature reviews and analyze social media health-related content.
- Organize and lead focus groups with young adults to explore their experiences with health-related misinformation.
- Contribute to the development of research findings, including publishing in academic journals.
- Work closely with a dynamic, international team to advance the project’s goals.
Requirements
We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as psychology, anthropology, communication science, bioethics, sociology, or other social sciences.
- Familiarity with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods (e.g., focus groups, surveys, statistical analysis).
- An understanding of how beliefs and attitudes influence online behavior and social media consumption.
- Proficiency in data analysis using tools like R or Python.
- Strong analytical skills and a passion for interdisciplinary research.
- Fluency in both German and English is essential (research will be conducted in German, and publications and international collaboration will be in English).
What We Offer
- A fully funded PhD position for 4 years, with a stipend of €2,000 per month (tax-free under most conditions).
- Generous funding for international research stays during the course of your PhD.
- Flexible working arrangements, including the option to work remotely within the scope of the project.
- A collaborative, inclusive work environment at one of Europe’s leading academic institutions.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following documents by April 20, 2025:
- A cover letter detailing your motivation and preparation for the PhD position.
- A current CV, including your relevant academic qualifications.
- Degree certificates.
- A writing sample (such as a research paper or thesis).
- Contact details for two professional references.
Send your application via email with the subject line “HARMONY PhD Application” to [email protected].
Additional Information
- Interviews will be held in early to mid-May 2025.
- TUM is committed to promoting diversity and encourages applications from female candidates.
- The position is open to candidates with disabilities, who will be given preference if they meet the qualifications.
Contact
For any questions or further information, please contact:
- Prof. Dr. Marcello Ienca: [email protected]
- Dr. Dr. Georg Starke: [email protected]
- Office Team (for administrative inquiries): [email protected] | +49 89 4140 4041
About TUM’s Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine
The Technical University of Munich is one of Europe’s premier research institutions, offering a dynamic academic environment. The Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine focuses on the ethical, social, and political dimensions of science and medicine, making it an ideal setting for innovative interdisciplinary research projects like HARMONY.
For more details about TUM and our work, visit www.tum.de.
Note on Data Protection: By submitting your application, you acknowledge TUM’s data protection information under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For further details, please refer to TUM’s privacy policy.
