2 PhD positions in Electoral behavior
(ref. BAP-2025-314)
Last modified: 02/06/25
The Center for Voting & Democracy studies electoral democracy and seeks to better understand the functioning of and challenges to electoral democracies. To do so, we conduct research on public opinion, voting behaviour, political participation, political parties and democratic institutions.
Project
The PhD researchers will be conducting doctoral research within the framework of the SOCIOVOTE project. This research project aims improve our understanding of how social group memberships become connected to electoral choices. The research objectives of this project are (1) to provide a comprehensive mapping of social group memberships that are socially and politically among contemporary electorates, (2) to test how social group dynamics (including social organisations and group norms) can foster connections between identity groups and parties, and (3) to examine the ways in which voters respond to parties’ group appeals.
To realize these objectives, the SOCIOVOTE project will collect data from twelve established democracies, drawing on a mix of different methodological approaches (closed- and open-ended survey questions, focus group discussions, and survey experiments).
Profile
- You hold (or are close to obtaining) a master’s degree in political science or a related field (e.g. communication science or sociology).
- You are passionate about research and have a strong interest in elections, voting behavior and political parties.
- You have at least a basic training in quantitative research methods and are willing to further strengthen your methods skills.
- You have an excellent knowledge of English and have strong communication skills, both oral and written. Knowledge of Dutch or French is an asset for this project but not a requirement.
- You are team player and motivated to work in an international research group.
Offer
- A full-time PhD position in a fellowship status for four years (based on a positive evaluation after 1 year).
- Opportunities for additional training, education and career guidance.
- An inspiring and stimulating research context with a collegial atmosphere.
- Competitive salary in line with KU Leuven salary scales for PhD students. For more information on salary and benefits for PhD students at KU Leuven: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions
Interested?
Interested in this position? Please submit the following documents:
• a motivation letter,
• your CV,
• an official transcript of academic records and diploma(s),
• a writing sample of approximately 20-25 pages (e.g., a course paper or a summary of your MA thesis),
• the contact details of at least one reference that we may contact.
After an initial screening, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. At the interview, you will be asked to give a short research presentation.
The position starts on 1 October.
