Postdoc Bias Revisited

Organisation/Company Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) Research Field Communication sciences » Journalism Communication sciences » Media studies Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Final date to receive applications 17 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 28.8 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The Department of Communication Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is seeking a postdoctoral researcher (0.5 FTE) for a period of three years*.

As a researcher, you will be part of the Biased Information Processing Lab. You will work on the NWO-funded project “Bias Revisited:
Replicating Information Bias Theories in Three European Media Systems”, awarded within the Replication Studies program of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). ).

This project focuses on replicating three classic, influential studies on biased information processing. The project includes nine large-scale online experiments. A detailed project description is available upon request; please contact Martin Tanis (m.a.tanis ).

What makes this position unique is that you will be the central coordinator of this international replication project. You will work closely with the core team in Amsterdam as well as satellite teams in the UK and Spain. You will be given substantial independence in both the substantive and organizational implementation of the project.

• In addition to the research appointment (0.5 FTE), it is possible to extend the position by up to 0.3 FTE as a lecturer within the Department of Communication Science. For this extension we strongly prefer candidates who are proficient in Dutch at a level that enables them to teach in the language.
• Initiating and maintaining an international research network.
• Designing, programming, and conducting large-scale online experiments.
• Coordinating data collection in three countries.
• Data analysis.
• Publishing results in international journals.
• Presenting at scientific conferences.
• If extended by 0.3 FTE teaching: teaching and/or supporting courses within the Communication Science program at VU.
• a completed PhD in the social sciences, with demonstrated affinity for quantitative and experimental research;
• strong methodological and analytical skills, and a proven track record in writing and publishing academic articles;
• experience in independently designing, coordinating, and conducting research projects; affinity with organizing international collaboration is an advantage;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary core team in the Netherlands and with international partners across Europe;
• if extended by 0.3 FTE teaching: proficiency in Dutch at C1 level.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization.

• A salary of minimum € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full‑time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• A position for at least 0.5 FTE. Your employment contract will last 3 years.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full‑time 38‑hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part‑timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end‑of‑year bonus.
• Optional model for designing a personalized benefits package.
• Contribution to commuting expenses.

Are you interested in this position? Then we encourage you to submit your application before Wednesday March 18th
. Please indicate in your letter whether you would also be interested in extending the role with the 0.3 FTE teaching.

Interviews are planned in the week of April 6th.

The intended start date is June 1st, 2026.

Applications received by e‑mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.