PhD Researcher in Generative AI, Political Communication and Democracy

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Communication sciences » On-line information services Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 5 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

We are recruiting a motivated PhD researcher for an innovative project on the role of generative AI in how citizens access political information. Generative AI systems such as ChatGPT and Claude have rapidly become a ubiquitous source of information. Increasingly, people also consult these systems for political purposes: to make sense of societal issues, compare positions, or orient themselves in political debate.

In doing so, generative AI systems are becoming a new political information source, with significant opportunities and risks for our democratic society. From a communication science perspective, this project investigates who uses these systems, how political dialogue unfolds in real human-AI interactions, and with what consequences for political attitudes and behaviour.

The project adopts a multi-method approach, including survey research, qualitative interviews, data donation and longitudinal research. You will work within a dynamic research team and contribute to scientifically rigorous and societally relevant insights on AI and democracy. The PhD will result in a series of international, peer-reviewed publications and a doctoral dissertation. The concrete research design will be further developed in consultation with the supervisor.

In addition to the research, the PhD researcher will also provide limited service to the faculty (e.g. exam invigilation, SID-in study information fairs, and similar activities).

The ideal candidate:

• Holds a master's degree in communication sciences, political science, sociology, psychology or a related discipline (or will obtain it before the start date);
• Has a demonstrable interest in the intersections of digital media, AI, political communication and democracy;
• Has a strong foundation in quantitative research methods and data analysis (e.g. SPSS, R, Python);
• Is willing to further develop digital and computational methods (e.g. data donation, automated text analysis);
• Can combine academic writing with the formulation of societally and policy-relevant insights;
• Works independently but is also a team player within an interdisciplinary and international research environment;
• Has an excellent command of academic English; a good knowledge of Dutch is a strong asset given the data collection in Flanders.

• You will initially receive a 1-year contract, which is extended to a total of 4 years after positive evaluation.
• Your salary and benefits follow the KU Leuven salary scales for PhD researchers and are competitive by international standards.
• You will be enrolled in KU Leuven's Doctoral Programme in the Social Sciences, where, alongside your research, you develop a broad range of academic and professional skills.
• You will be part of a dynamic, international research team (MIP Lab) and receive intensive support in building your scientific career.
• You contribute to collective responsibilities of the research group (such as educational services, team meetings, research proposals, supervision of bachelor and master students, invigilating exams, student recruitment activities, etc.)
• Support and budget are available for (international) conference participation, methodological training and knowledge valorisation.
• Start date:
  
  1 October 2026, which can be adjusted in consultation with the supervisor if needed.

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Brahim Zarouali ().

Research Field Communication sciences » On-line information services Years of Research Experience None

• You will initially receive a 1-year contract, which is extended to a total of 4 years after positive evaluation.
• Your salary and benefits follow the KU Leuven salary scales for PhD…