The Institute of Political Science at the University of Münster (Germany) in cooperation with Center of Political Science Research at the KU Leuven (Belgium) is seeking to fill the position of a
Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L; 75%)
for the externally funded project UAPA (Understanding Affective Polarization in Adolescence). The doctoral research associate will hold a full-time employment contract with KU Leuven for the first year, starting at the earliest possible date. Following this initial year, the position will continue as a 75% part-time position at the University of Münster until the end of January 2029. Please note that you will be employed exclusively at KU Leuven during the first year and exclusively at the University of Münster thereafter. UAPA investigates the structural and individual drivers of affective and issue polarization among adolescents in Belgium and Germany, and explores how schools might help mitigate the effects. The project is funded by the FWO/DFG-Weave program as a joint project between researchers in Belgium and Germany. At KU Leuven, it is led by Prof. Ellen Claes (Voting and Democracy research group, ellen.claes@kuleuven.be). At the University of Münster (Germany), the project is led by Prof. Katrin Hahn-Laudenberg (Civics and Social Science Education, katrin.hahn-laudenberg@uni-muenster.de).
Your tasks:
- You will work on research questions related to different work packages in the UAPA project in collaboration with the other team members, such as
- a literature review on affective polarization, and citizenship education;
- secondary data analysis of existing large-scale studies (e.g. ICCS);
- design and implementation of surveys and survey experiments;
- qualitative interviews and focus groups in schools;
- statistical and qualitative analysis of study data;
- You will present your research at national and international conferences and work on scientific publications.
Our expectations:
- A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., political science, communication science, sociology,psychology, or educational science) is required.
- Fluency in English is required.
- Very good knowledge of either Dutch or German—or a willingness to learn one of these languages—is required.
- Knowledge of the other language (Dutch or German) is an asset.
- Enthusiasm for politics, democracy, youth studies, and/or education would be advantageous.
- A strong interest in research and solid analytical skills would be welcomed.
- Motivation for continuous scientific development is an asset.
- Experience with at least basic statistical or qualitative research methods is desirable (familiarity with R, SPSS, NVivo, or Mplus would be an asset)
Communicative, collaborative, and motivated individuals who thrive in an international team are highly encouraged to apply.
Advantages for you:
- Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
- The opportunity to do cutting-edge research in a strong interdisciplinary and international network.
- A stimulating academic environment with mentoring, training opportunities, and international mobility.
- Active support in developing and examining your own research questions within the scope of the project.
- Subsequent workplaces in the vibrant and historic cities of Leuven, Belgium and Münster, Germany.
- Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
- If you have family members or young children in your care, the University of Münster’s Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
- As a University of Münster employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.
The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available.
We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.
The selection process, including interviews, will be organised jointly by the KU Leuven and the University of Münster. Please note that all data included in your application will be shared with the respective partner institution.
For the corresponding job vacancy in Leuven see https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60477877. For more information on salary and benefits for PhD students at KU Leuven: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phdinformation-working-conditions.
If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Katrin Hahn-Laudenberg (katrin.hahn-laudenberg@uni-muenster.de).
Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application, consisting of a motivation letter, your CV, an official transcript of academic records and diploma(s), and a 2-page summary of your master’s thesis. Please send your application complied in one pdf by 2025-07-11 to:
Universität Münster,
Institute for Political Science,
Prof. Dr. Katrin Hahn-Laudenberg
katrin.hahn-laudenberg@uni-muenster.de
Please note that we cannot consider other file formats
Reference number: 2025_06_12
