PhD in Voting Behaviour and Electoral Democracy at KU Leuven KU Leuven in Belgium

KU Leuven is advertising a fully funded PhD position in Voting Behaviour and Electoral Democracy within the Voting & Democracy Research Group. The project is funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) and focuses on “Parties’ Social Group Ownership”, examining how political parties become associated with specific social groups and how these perceptions shape voting behaviour across Western Europe.

The doctoral researcher will contribute to research on elections, political parties, voter behaviour, public opinion, and democratic institutions. The methods mentioned include online surveys across 12 Western European democracies and experimental survey designs, so the role is especially relevant for applicants interested in quantitative political science and survey-based research.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Political Science or a related field, have a strong interest in elections, democracy, and political behaviour, possess basic knowledge of quantitative research methods, and demonstrate excellent English communication skills. The post also emphasizes being a team player in an international environment.

Funding: this is a full-time funded PhD position for 4 years, with a competitive PhD salary and benefits. The announcement does not mention tuition or fee waivers, but it clearly states that the position is funded.

Location: Leuven, Belgium. Start date: 1 October 2026. Application deadline: 26 June 2026.

Application materials: motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts and diplomas, a writing sample (20–25 pages), and contact details of at least one referee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and a short research presentation.

How to apply: submit your application via the KU Leuven Application Portal. Use the provided portal link and ensure all required documents are prepared before the deadline.