Ike Picone

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a PhD student position in Digital News Audiences and Policy Analysis, based at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School, Department of Communication Sciences. The successful candidate will join the SMIT research group (Studies in Media, Innovation and Technology), specifically within the NUSE unit (News: Uses, Strategies and Engagements), and contribute to cutting-edge research on how citizens interact with digital news environments. The research will focus on news audiences and digital media, exploring how people encounter, consume, and engage with news across platforms, social media, and emerging technologies. Topics may include the influence of intermediaries such as platforms, algorithms, and generative AI on news provision and public understanding, as well as the role of influencers and content creators as news providers. The project aims to understand how trust and credibility are negotiated online and how digital environments shape citizens’ relationships with current affairs and participation. Methodologically, the position welcomes both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including surveys to examine news consumption habits and perceptions, computational methods to analyze online behavior and engagement patterns, and qualitative interviews to gain in-depth insights into citizens’ experiences with digital news. The doctoral theme and research tasks will be further developed in consultation with the supervisor, Prof. Dr. Ike Picone. In addition to research, the PhD student will participate in departmental teaching activities, supporting exercise sessions in policy analysis, seminars on current issues in communication sciences, and coaching bachelor students in their papers. The role is based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene). Applicants must hold a master’s degree in Communication, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, International Politics, or International Journalism. Excellent English proficiency is required; Dutch is a plus. Candidates should be enthusiastic teachers and motivated researchers, and must not have previously held an assistant mandate paid from operating resources for more than 12 months. Non-EEA nationals must meet VUB permit and residence requirements. The position offers a full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months upon positive evaluation. The grant is linked to government scales and includes a range of benefits: telework allowance, cost-free hospitalisation insurance, full reimbursement of public transport commute, affordable campus meals, sports facilities, nursery discounts, and access to learning platforms. The planned starting date is 01/02/2027, subject to enrolment as a doctoral student at VUB. VUB is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion, reflecting the society it serves. The university offers an open, involved, and diverse workplace with opportunities for career development and work-life balance. To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, and diploma (not required for VUB alumni) via jobs.vub.be by 22/06/2026. The selection process includes an initial review of your application file and a job interview. For questions about the job content, contact Prof. Dr. Ike Picone at [email protected] . For more information about VUB and the EUTOPIA alliance, visit jobs.vub.be and eutopia-university.eu .

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a full-time PhD studentship in News Use and Policy Analysis, based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus. This position is offered within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School, specifically in the Communication Sciences department and the SMIT (Studies in Media, Innovation and Technology) research group, with a focus on the NUSE (News: Uses, Strategies and Engagements) research unit. The doctoral research will explore how citizens navigate an increasingly complex, fragmented, and digital news media environment. Topics include how people encounter, consume, and interact with news on digital platforms, social media, and through emerging technologies such as generative AI. The project may also examine the evolving roles of platforms, algorithms, influencers, and content creators in shaping news provision, visibility, and public understanding. Additional areas of interest include trust and credibility in online news, negotiation of information reliability, and the impact of digital environments on civic engagement and participation. Methodologically, candidates are expected to employ quantitative and/or qualitative approaches, including survey design and analysis, computational methods for studying online behavior and platform interactions, and in-depth interviews to understand user experiences and perceptions of new technologies in news provision. Teaching responsibilities include supporting exercise sessions in policy analysis, guiding students in collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and assisting with seminars on current issues in communication sciences. The candidate will also supervise bachelor thesis projects and contribute to the daily functioning of the department. Applicants must hold a master's degree in communication sciences, political science, or social sciences (including international relations, international politics, or international journalism). Excellent English proficiency is required. Candidates should be enthusiastic about teaching and research, and must not have worked as a paid assistant for more than 12 months. Non-EU/EEA applicants must meet VUB's legal residence and permit requirements. The studentship is initially for 12 months, renewable up to 48 months based on positive evaluation. The stipend is determined by government salary scales. Benefits include telework allowance, hospitalisation insurance, public transport reimbursement, campus restaurant discounts, sports facilities, childcare support, and extensive opportunities for professional development. The work environment is open, diverse, and supportive, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance. To apply, submit your motivation letter, CV, and diplomas (not required for VUB alumni) via the VUB jobs portal by 22 June 2026. The selection process includes a dossier review and a job interview. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Ike Picone at [email protected]. Learn more about VUB and its European university network EUTOPIA at jobs.vub.be and eutopia-university.eu .