Radboud University invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the Department of Political Science, focusing on the role of polarised factual beliefs in shaping public opinion and contributing to broader political divides. This project investigates how citizens' perceptions of reality—such as the causes of climate change, income inequality, and immigration—are influenced by their political orientation, and how these beliefs impact issue attitudes and affective polarisation. The research will employ both new and established experimental methods, particularly survey experiments, to explore when, how, and why factual beliefs affect public opinion and political polarisation.

The successful candidate will join the Empirical Political Science chair group, which is renowned for its strengths in comparative politics, political theory, and both quantitative and qualitative methodology. Major research topics in the group include populism, electoral behaviour, public opinion, labour movements, and the moral legitimacy of institutions and policies. The group fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across the Nijmegen School of Management and beyond, offering a dynamic and supportive academic environment.

The supervision team comprises Dr. Roderik Rekker (main substantive supervisor), Dr. Hakan Çakmak, Dr. Bojana Većkalov, and Prof. Dr. Carolien van Ham. The PhD candidate will disseminate research findings through international peer-reviewed journal articles and an article-based dissertation. A limited teaching assignment (about 5%) is included, providing valuable academic experience.

Radboud University offers excellent working conditions, including a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) for 1.5 years, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation. The starting salary is €3,059 gross per month, rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, with an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and extra days off (30 or 41 annual leave days). Flexible working hours, a good pension plan, sports and cultural discounts, and various training and development schemes are also provided, ensuring a supportive work-life balance.

Applicants must hold or expect to obtain a Master’s degree in political science or a relevant discipline (political communication, political psychology). Essential qualifications include strong quantitative research skills, especially in survey experiment design and execution, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and excellent written academic English. Regular presence in Nijmegen is expected. Preferred qualifications include completion or near completion of a Research Master’s programme, advanced quantitative methods courses with good grades, and research experience in polarisation, misperceptions, or related topics.

To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, addressing your letter to Dr. Roderik Rekker. The application form will specify required documents. Interviews will be conducted online or face-to-face, depending on candidate preference and location, and will include a short oral presentation of research ideas. The preferred start date is 1 September 2026. The application deadline is 31 March 2026.

Radboud University is committed to inclusivity and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds. Join a vibrant academic community dedicated to responsible governance and sustainable societies, and contribute to impactful research in political science.