Doctoral Fellow Opportunity at Ghent University – Research on Ideological Stereotypes in Politics: Apply!
Ghent University invites motivated researchers to apply for a full-time doctoral fellowship within the Department of Political Sciences (PS03). This position offers a unique opportunity to pursue a PhD as part of the 4-year research project titled “Do voters use socio-demographic cues to estimate politicians’ ideological positions? (IdeoPos)” under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Bram Wauters and Dr. Robin Devroe.
About Ghent University
Ghent University stands as a leading academic institution, employing over 15,000 staff members across 11 faculties and 85+ departments. Recognized for its research excellence and innovative education, the university fosters an inspiring environment for academic growth and career development.
Project Overview
The IdeoPos project focuses on understanding how voters use socio-demographic cues—such as politicians’ gender, age, and ethnic origin—to estimate ideological positions in democratic contexts. Accurate perceptions are vital for representative democracy, as misestimations can lead to incorrect voting decisions, diminished political trust, and increased polarization. This research applies experimental methods to test existing theories and develop new frameworks that address the rising importance of individual cues amid political personalization and intra-party competition.
Candidate Profile
Ideal candidates will:
- Hold a Master’s degree in political science, sociology, public administration, political psychology, or a related human sciences discipline.
- Demonstrate a scientific and critical mindset with strong motivation for independent research.
- Be prepared to conduct and write a PhD dissertation on ideological stereotypes, including participation in doctoral training.
- Exhibit autonomy in project design, execution, and follow-up.
- Be familiar with political science theories and research, or show willingness to deepen knowledge.
- Have experience with, or readiness to learn, experimental research methods and statistical analysis.
- Possess excellent academic results.
- Have proficient writing skills in English and Dutch, or be ready to improve these quickly.
- Work well within a team and be willing to take on responsibilities in the GASPAR research group.
- Commit to presenting at international conferences and publishing research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals.
Employment Details
- The position is full-time, initially offered for 12 months with the possibility of extension up to 48 months, contingent on positive evaluation.
- The contract is expected to commence from October 1, 2025, or shortly thereafter.
- Fellowship salary is set at 100% of the net salary for an AAP member, adjusted for family status and seniority. It is tax-exempt under the doctoral fellowship regulations.
- Staff benefits include 36 annual holiday days plus fixed bridge days, training opportunities, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of diploma (if available)
- Motivation letter
- One-page research proposal on how they would approach the IdeoPos project
All documents should be combined into a single PDF file and sent to [email protected] by July 11, 2025 (midnight). Late applications will not be considered.
Students graduating in June 2025 are particularly encouraged to apply.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews during the last two weeks of August 2025.
Contact Information
For further inquiries about the project or application process, prospective candidates may contact:
- Prof. Bram Wauters: [email protected]
- Dr. Robin Devroe: [email protected]
Join Ghent University’s Dynamic Research Team
This doctoral fellowship offers a stimulating platform to contribute to cutting-edge political science research, build expertise in experimental methodologies, and engage with international academic networks.
Ambitious researchers passionate about the intersection of voter behavior and socio-political dynamics are encouraged to apply and embark on this exciting academic journey.
