Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
1 week ago
PhD in Communication Science: Susceptibility to Health Hacks Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Communication Studies
Funding
Full-time PhD position for four years total, with an initial one-year contract extended after positive assessment. Salary is €3,204 gross per month in the first year and up to €4,051 gross per month in the fourth year, plus holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, commuting contribution, benefits package options, and sports facilities.
Deadline
Oct 27, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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About this position
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is advertising a PhD position in Communication Science focused on explaining susceptibility to health hacks on social media. The project, Hooked by the Health Hack, investigates why young adults aged 18–25 are drawn to quick health tips online, including misleading or hazardous advice, and how these messages can be evaluated more critically.
This vacancy is for Track B, based in the Department of Communication Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The research is part of a four-year, interdisciplinary project funded by NWO (Open Competition SSH) and carried out in collaboration with Erasmus University Rotterdam. The work combines communication science, health psychology, and behavioural/cognitive science.
The PhD candidate will conduct a multimodal content analysis of hazardous online health hacks, design and run a large-scale panel survey, carry out controlled online and/or laboratory experiments, and evaluate intervention strategies co-developed with the parallel PhD track. The project uses dual-process theories of reasoning to study intuitive versus reflective processing during exposure to health hacks.
Requirements include a completed research master’s degree in Communication Science, Media/Social/Cognitive Psychology, or a related social science field by the start date; strong quantitative research skills; experience with survey and experimental design; proficiency in statistical analysis (preferably R and advanced methods such as multilevel modelling, mediation/moderation, or SEM); interest in health communication, misinformation, and persuasion; excellent English academic writing; and a collaborative, independent working style.
Funding and conditions: this is a full-time PhD appointment for four years in total, starting with a one-year contract and extension after positive assessment. Salary ranges from €3,204 gross per month in year one to €4,051 gross per month in year four, with holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, commuting support, and other staff benefits.
Deadline: 27 October 2026 at 23:59. Expected start date is 1 January 2027. Applications must be submitted through the portal with a CV, a one-page motivation letter, and a relevant writing sample. Email applications will not be considered. For questions, contact dr. M.A. Tanis at [email protected].
Funding details
Full-time PhD position for four years total, with an initial one-year contract extended after positive assessment. Salary is €3,204 gross per month in the first year and up to €4,051 gross per month in the fourth year, plus holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, commuting contribution, benefits package options, and sports facilities.
What's required
A completed research Master's degree in Communication Science, (Media, Social, or Cognitive) Psychology, or a related social science discipline by the start date; strong quantitative research skills in survey and experimental design; proficiency in statistical analysis (e.g. R) and preferably advanced methods such as multilevel modelling, mediation/moderation analysis, or structural equation modelling; affinity with or willingness to quickly develop expertise in dual-process theories of reasoning and cognitive processing paradigms; genuine interest in health communication, misinformation, and the psychology of persuasion; excellent academic writing and communication skills in English; collaborative mindset for interdisciplinary work; ability to work independently and take ownership of a multi-year project.
How to apply
Apply via the AcademicTransfer application portal with your CV, a motivation letter (max. 1 page), and a relevant writing sample. Do not apply by email; emailed applications will not be considered. Contact dr. M.A. Tanis for questions.
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