Namkje Koudenburg

PhD position at the University of Groningen in the Social Psychology Group on the topic of conversational dynamics of polarization . The project asks how face-to-face conversational dynamics contribute to radical polarization and how they can be harnessed to promote healthier democratic discourse. This PhD is part of a 4-year Vidi project led by Namkje Koudenburg and funded by NWO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek). The successful candidate will work together with Prof. Namkje Koudenburg and Prof. Lise Jans , combining social psychology with insights from political studies , cultural studies , and communication studies . Research themes include polarization, democratic discourse, group processes, conversational dynamics, public participation, and de-escalation of discussions. The project includes laboratory micro-societies, video-taped interactions, and an intervention study with a governmental partner to improve deliberation in small-group discussions. Eligibility highlights: a (Research) Master’s degree in social psychology or a related discipline; strong training in quantitative methods and statistics; experience with qualitative analysis of conversational data; theory-driven research experience; excellent academic record; strong English academic writing; and the ability to collaborate with academic and non-academic partners. Dutch language skills are a plus. Funding and employment: full-time 1.0 FTE, salary from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, 8% holiday allowance, 232 vacation hours per year, and a temporary contract of four years (initially one year, then extension after positive review). Application deadline: 5 May 2026 at 23:59 Dutch local time . Apply through the University of Groningen vacancy page.