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PhD Position: "When Lies Take Root: Investigating the Impact of Misinformation on Those at Risk"

  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
  • 14457
  • Master's
  • €3.059 - €3.881
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    22-10-2025
Apply

PhD Position: "When Lies Take Root: Investigating the Impact of Misinformation on Those at Risk"

  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
  • 14457
  • Master's
  • €3.059 - €3.881
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    22-10-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Join Us!

The prevalence and impact of online misinformation is one of the most hotly debated topics in the social sciences. This project will further this crucial debate by focusing on those who are most vulnerable for misinformation's negative consequences. In particular, we investigate how misinformation can reinforce existing beliefs, and emphasize the role of group dynamics and communicative features therein. In multiple surveys and experimental studies, we determine whether, to what extent and how misinformation impacts these at-risk individuals. Subsequently, we develop and test new intervention methods that strive to increase resilience against misinformation among those who are most at risk.

 

This project uses several quantitative methods like survey, experiment and quantitative intervention testing. The PhD Candidate will write a paper-based dissertation and strive to publish the results of individual sub-studies in important journals in the field of communication science and related disciplines.

 

This project has been funded by the Dutch Research Foundation (NWO) through an Open Competition M grant awarded to prof. Christian Burgers. Therefore, the successful candidate is also expected to participate in activities related to the overall project. The PhD project will be supervised by prof. dr. Christian Burgers, dr. Toni van der Meer and dr. Alexandra Schwinges. The starting date for the PhD Candidate is 1 February 2026.

 

Working at the UvA

Join Us!

The prevalence and impact of online misinformation is one of the most hotly debated topics in the social sciences. This project will further this crucial debate by focusing on those who are most vulnerable for misinformation's negative consequences. In particular, we investigate how misinformation can reinforce existing beliefs, and emphasize the role of group dynamics and communicative features therein. In multiple surveys and experimental studies, we determine whether, to what extent and how misinformation impacts these at-risk individuals. Subsequently, we develop and test new intervention methods that strive to increase resilience against misinformation among those who are most at risk.

 

This project uses several quantitative methods like survey, experiment and quantitative intervention testing. The PhD Candidate will write a paper-based dissertation and strive to publish the results of individual sub-studies in important journals in the field of communication science and related disciplines.

 

This project has been funded by the Dutch Research Foundation (NWO) through an Open Competition M grant awarded to prof. Christian Burgers. Therefore, the successful candidate is also expected to participate in activities related to the overall project. The PhD project will be supervised by prof. dr. Christian Burgers, dr. Toni van der Meer and dr. Alexandra Schwinges. The starting date for the PhD Candidate is 1 February 2026.

 

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

Tasks include:

  • completing an English-language PhD dissertation consisting of research articles within the appointment period;
  • conducting survey research on the role of group norms in misinformation perceptions.
  • conducting experiments on effects of misinformation on institutional trust;
  • developing and testing various targeted interventions to combat the impact of misinformation;
  • conducting data analysis;
  • presenting the work at national and international conferences;
  • actively participate in the overall NWO project;
  • spending 10% of your time on teaching-related tasks.

 

What do you have to offer

You:

  • have a (research) master’s degree in Communication Science or in another discipline relevant to the project such as Psychology, Societal Resilience, Communication and Information Studies, Sociology, or Journalism Studies. Candidates with another (research) master’s degree may apply but should motivate why their experience suffices for this project.
  • have experience with quantitative research methods (survey, experiment, quantitative intervention testing);
  • preferably have an excellent spoken and written command of Dutch (as this project will comprise designing Dutch-language surveys, experiments and interventions);
  • have an excellent spoken and written command of English (as you will write an English-language dissertation and present at international conferences);
  • have the motivation to participate in a larger project on misinformation.

 

You are:

  • passionate about research, particularly related to organizations, communication strategies and society, and combatting mis- and disinformation;
  • open to feedback;
  • able to work independently;
  • eager to learn and to develop new skills;
  • organized, flexible and have attention to detail.

 

What else do we offer you

The position concerns temporary employment of 1.0 fte (38 hours per week) for a maximum term of 4 years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of 3 years, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. We will put together a curriculum which 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 this position the University Job Classification profile PhD candidate applies. 

 

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

 

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

Tasks include:

  • completing an English-language PhD dissertation consisting of research articles within the appointment period;
  • conducting survey research on the role of group norms in misinformation perceptions.
  • conducting experiments on effects of misinformation on institutional trust;
  • developing and testing various targeted interventions to combat the impact of misinformation;
  • conducting data analysis;
  • presenting the work at national and international conferences;
  • actively participate in the overall NWO project;
  • spending 10% of your time on teaching-related tasks.

 

What do you have to offer

You:

  • have a (research) master’s degree in Communication Science or in another discipline relevant to the project such as Psychology, Societal Resilience, Communication and Information Studies, Sociology, or Journalism Studies. Candidates with another (research) master’s degree may apply but should motivate why their experience suffices for this project.
  • have experience with quantitative research methods (survey, experiment, quantitative intervention testing);
  • preferably have an excellent spoken and written command of Dutch (as this project will comprise designing Dutch-language surveys, experiments and interventions);
  • have an excellent spoken and written command of English (as you will write an English-language dissertation and present at international conferences);
  • have the motivation to participate in a larger project on misinformation.

 

You are:

  • passionate about research, particularly related to organizations, communication strategies and society, and combatting mis- and disinformation;
  • open to feedback;
  • able to work independently;
  • eager to learn and to develop new skills;
  • organized, flexible and have attention to detail.

 

What else do we offer you

The position concerns temporary employment of 1.0 fte (38 hours per week) for a maximum term of 4 years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of 3 years, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. We will put together a curriculum which 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 this position the University Job Classification profile PhD candidate applies. 

 

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

 

Your place at the UvA

You will work here

The Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR) is the research institute for the Communication Science Department in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam.

 

A challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organization. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

 

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. Here, we explore societal and human-centered issues, driven by scientific curiosity but also with an eye for current themes. For example, the impact of media and communication on individuals and society, healthcare challenges, global urbanization, human development, the role of political institutions, understanding the human mind, growing inequality, diversity issues, and changing social relationships.
In Europe and beyond, the FMG holds a leading position, thanks in part to its more than 1,300 staff members who contribute to education and research. Will you be one of them?
Read more about the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

You will work here

The Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR) is the research institute for the Communication Science Department in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam.

 

A challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organization. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

 

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. Here, we explore societal and human-centered issues, driven by scientific curiosity but also with an eye for current themes. For example, the impact of media and communication on individuals and society, healthcare challenges, global urbanization, human development, the role of political institutions, understanding the human mind, growing inequality, diversity issues, and changing social relationships.
In Europe and beyond, the FMG holds a leading position, thanks in part to its more than 1,300 staff members who contribute to education and research. Will you be one of them?
Read more about the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Important to know

Your application & contact

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 22 October 2025. Interviews are scheduled for 17 November 2025. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:
• a curriculum vitae (please make sure that both your degree and your language proficiency in Dutch are clearly indicated in your CV.)
• a letter of motivation
• an English writing sample (e.g., a master thesis or other recent individual essay)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Read more
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Important to know

Your application & contact

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 22 October 2025. Interviews are scheduled for 17 November 2025. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:
• a curriculum vitae (please make sure that both your degree and your language proficiency in Dutch are clearly indicated in your CV.)
• a letter of motivation
• an English writing sample (e.g., a master thesis or other recent individual essay)

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

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