Université libre de Bruxelles
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PhD candidate: Perceptions of Threat, Intergroup Relations and Polarization Université libre de Bruxelles in Belgium
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Political Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 6, 2026
Country
Belgium
University
Université libre de Bruxelles

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About this position
Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is offering a fully funded PhD position within the CeSCuP research group in the Faculty of Psychological, Educational Sciences and Speech Therapy. The project focuses on perceptions of threat, intergroup relations, political attitudes, polarization, and support for the far right, combining perspectives from social psychology and political science.
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment and contribute to an ARC advanced project that seeks to develop an integrated theoretical framework and new empirical evidence on authoritarian attitudes, perceived threats, political intolerance, and far-right support. A key empirical focus is Belgium, especially Brussels, a diverse urban setting with marked socioeconomic inequalities that offers a strong context for examining how social and political environments shape threat perceptions and political behavior.
The project also connects to joint survey research around the Belgian electoral cycles of 2029 and 2030, including voter surveys and analyses of local electoral contexts. The PhD researcher will participate in collaborative data collection and interdisciplinary research activities across participating teams, and will prepare a doctoral thesis while aiming to publish scientific articles and present at conferences, workshops, and seminars.
This is a 3.5-year, full-time, paid PhD position starting on 1 January 2027. The announcement indicates a scholarship comparable to a competitive Belgian salary, together with health care and social security. The post is based at ULB in Belgium.
Eligibility highlights include a master’s degree in social psychology or another relevant discipline, a strong interest in intergroup relations and political attitudes, strong quantitative and statistical skills, and excellent English writing and presentation skills. Experience with literature review, data collection, data analysis, and reporting is valued. As ULB is a French-speaking university, some knowledge of French is considered an advantage.
Applications should be sent by email to [email protected] with the subject line PhD position ARC avancé. Applicants should include a CV, a detailed overview of study results and grades, a motivation letter, and the names of two people who can provide reference letters. The deadline is 6 November 2026, though the position remains open until filled.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a master’s diploma in (social) psychology or another field relevant to the project. Candidates should be strongly motivated to research intergroup relations and political attitudes, especially prejudice, threat, and polarisation, and ideally have experience with scientific research including literature review, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. Strong quantitative research and statistical skills are required, along with excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to collaborate in a research team, and excellent writing and presentation skills in English. Knowledge of French is considered a plus.
How to apply
Send a CV, detailed overview of study results and grades, motivation letter, and the names of two referees to [email protected]. Use the subject line "PhD position ARC avancé". The position stays open until filled, so apply as early as possible.
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