Doctoral Fellow in Critical Media Studies and Digital Anthropology (KIDFLUENCER Project) Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University invites applications for a full-time doctoral fellow position in the Department of Communication Sciences, focusing on the KIDFLUENCER project. This five-year research initiative, funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant, investigates how children experience the kidfluencer phenomenon—monetized social media accounts centered on young children and aimed at a young audience. The project is rooted in critical media studies and digital anthropology, examining platformized cultural production, commercialization, datafication, and the mediation and commodification of childhood. It also explores everyday media practices, lived experiences, and children's meaning-making within their daily contexts.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative research team and contribute to the final work package, which involves designing and conducting longitudinal ethnographic research with preschool and primary school children. Observations will be carried out in children's home environments, adopting a child-centered and context-sensitive approach. The research aims to analyze production processes, platform ecology, content representations, discourses, and how children interpret and assign meaning to kidfluencer content. The position will culminate in a doctoral dissertation leading to a PhD degree in Communication Sciences.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (preferably in Communication Science, Anthropology, or a related discipline), possess a strong theoretical background in critical media studies and/or digital media anthropology, and have demonstrable experience with ethnographic research. Affinity with digital media, social media, and influencer culture is essential, along with strong analytical skills, critical mindset, and the ability to think abstractly. Candidates must be flexible, willing to adapt working hours for family context observations, and comfortable building trust with participating families. Experience with academic writing and presenting is required. Excellent command of Dutch and English (spoken and written) is mandatory, with fluency in spoken Dutch necessary for effective communication with Flemish children. Affinity with children and young people is essential.

The fellowship offers a full-time contract for an initial 12 months, extendable up to 48 months after positive evaluation. The salary is 100% of the net AAP member salary, tax-free, and determined by family status and seniority. Ghent University staff enjoy benefits such as training opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers. The contract is expected to start on September 1, 2026, at the earliest.

To apply, send your CV, diploma copy, and motivation letter to Prof. Liselot Hudders ([email protected]) before July 4, 2026. Late applications will not be considered. Ghent University encourages applications from all backgrounds as part of its equal opportunities and diversity policy. For further information, contact Prof. Liselot Hudders at [email protected].

For more details about the KIDFLUENCER project, visit https://www.kidfluencer.be. Apply via the portal: https://academicpositions.com/#apply.