Leiden University (The Netherlands): 2 PhD Positions on Media & Politics (4 years) PhD position (38 hours) Vacancy

number: 11-077

The Department of Political Science invites applications for a four year PhD position to take part in an NWO (VIDI) funded research programme Beyond Agenda-setting: Towards a better understanding of the power relationship between politicians and journalists This project concentrates on the relationship between news media and political actors in western democracies. The general aim of this project is to explore and explain how politicians and journalists interact and how they influence each others work. Using a comparative research design, the focus is on how the interactions between politicians and journalists are shaped by systemic and institutional factors related to both political institutions and media systems in different countries. To disentangle the political media complex the project consists of three subprojects: (1) a comparative large N-analysis of parliamentary questions and media content, (2) a survey among political elites and journalists in three countries and (3) a number of in-depth case studies of the medias role in the Dutch process of policy making. The research is funded by the Dutch Research council (NWO) and will run until 2016. Currently we are looking for two PhD students and one Postdoc researcher to join the research team, which is directed by dr. Peter Van Aelst in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Joop van Holsteyn and Prof. Dr. Rudy Andeweg at the Department of Political Science in Leiden. The starting date for the position is 1 September 2011, or as soon as possible thereafter. Your profile Candidates for both PhD positions are expected to have: - MA, MPhil or MSc degree in political science or communication science (or a comparable area) with excellent results - a good command of English (speaking, writing, reading), knowledge of Dutch or willingness to learn quickly - an outspoken interest in political communication - familiar with research methods - experience with team work During the first two years you will be involved in the data gathering and data analysis, the organization of international meetings and the preparation of scholarly papers. The last two years the focus will shift to writing your dissertation, which should be completed within four years. The research will be done in close cooperation with the research group Media, Movements and Politics (MP), University of Antwerp, of which you will be a member during the PhD. You are also expected to work within the Leiden Department of Political Science and to assist in the teaching of one course a year.

Applications (in English) should include: - a letter of interest - curriculum vitae - degree transcript of the highest degree obtained (or to be awarded this year), in the form of a transcript/grade-sheet from your university - the names and addresses of two potential referees We offer - a stimulating research environment with international cooperation - the opportunity and support to write a PhD - opportunity to get some teaching experience Candidates will, if accepted, be appointed as promovendus. Succesful candidates will initially be appointed for a period of one year. In case of a positive evaluation after this year the contract will be prolonged. The gross monthly salary is set to 2.042,- in the first year up to 2612,- in year four. An appointment with Leiden University includes a pension build-up and facilitates other benefits such as an annual holiday premium of 8% and an end-of-year premium of 8.3%. Further information, as well as a detailed outline of the research project, can be obtained from dr. Peter Van Aelst (aelstpvan@fsw.leidenuniv.nl). Applications should be sent before 18 April 2011 and can be sent electronically, under indication of the vacancy number, to the Personnel Department of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, at vacature@fsw.leidenuniv.nl