This PhD project will focus on answering the central question: Which type of people are exposed to what kind of algorithmic persuasion attempts by commercial advertisers on TikTok, with what consequences, and what potential remedies would help individuals to cope with it? You will make use of a unique combination of methodological approaches. Over the course of the project, you will conduct three interconnected subprojects:

1. To identify the type of people that are most often and most intensely exposed to algorithmic persuasion attempts on TikTok and the characteristics of these attempts you will use eye-tracking and data donation.
2. To analyze how different types of people cope with algorithmic persuasion on TikTok and how this relates to how they are affected you will make use of a survey.
3. To formulate guidelines for effective remedies or interventions to help vulnerable groups cope with algorithmic persuasion and reduce harmful consequences you will make use of a co-creation workshop and an experiment.

You will:

• Manage the project, including scheduling meetings with the supervisory team, preparing agendas, and documenting meetings and research activities;
• Design and prepare the studies (e.g., conduct a study in which participants will use TikTok while tracking their eye-movements and donate their TikTok data, develop and refine survey and experimental material);
• Collect and analyze data for the studies (e.g., prepare and analyze complex eye-tracking and donated social media data, recruit participants for all studies);
• Write academic articles for publication in high-impact scientific journals, and present findings at (inter)national conferences;
• Contribute to the ASCoR research community by participating in workshops, meetings, and lectures;
• Support teaching activities at the Bachelor’s level (up to approximately 10% of your time).

You have:

• A research master’s degree in communication science or a relevant related field, or the expectation to obtain it soon, at the latest on January 31 2026;
• Experience with quantitative research methods, we have a strong preference for a candidate with experience with either eye-tracking or social media data donation;
• Computational skills to handle and analyze complex datasets with a preference for a candidate with at least basic knowledge of Python/R;
• Demonstrated interest in advertising or marketing communication and social media;
• An interest in open science principles and a commitment to methodological rigor and scientific integrity;
• Excellent spoken and written English, with proficiency in Dutch or a willingness to learn.

You are able to:

• Show curiosity in exploring insights from various communication science domains and a readiness to learn new skills and methods as the project evolves, adapting to challenges with resilience and creativity;
• Maintain a proactive attitude, be open to feedback, and pay attention to detail;
• Manage your own time effectively and work independently while collaborating well within a team;
• Keep a cool head and stay organized when juggling multiple tasks;
• Stay enthusiastic and motivated when things get difficult and sometimes handle difficulties with some pragmatism;
• Communicate research findings clearly to both academic and non-academic audiences.

The planned, and latest possible, starting date for this project is February 1^st 2026. The position concerns temporary employment for a maximum term of four years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring any changes in circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of 36 months, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. We will put together a curriculum that will also include the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international events. You will also be tasked with teaching (Bachelor’s) students for up to approximately 10% of the contract.

What else do we offer

• A position in which initiative and input are highly valued;
• A position centered on your growth, with ample opportunities for scholarly and professional development, including the opportunity to take Dutch language courses;
• A supervision team with the goal to supervise and advice the PhD candidate in their work and professional development through regular team meetings;
• An enthusiastic and warm department that is open to new colleagues;
• A large, welcoming community of PhD candidates working on various projects within Communication Science;
• While frequent presence at the office is valued in terms of cohesion and team building, we offer the opportunity to work hybrid for 1 or 2 days per week (i.e., to work from home from time to time).