Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR) PhD position

Ranging from €2,042 in the first year to €2,612 in the final year.

Overview

ASCoR currently has one vacancy for a PhD candidate for the project 'Health campaign effects: The role of interpersonal communication and exposure to news media messages as competing sources of information'.

Most health campaigns only have small or even no effects. A partial explanation is that people are exposed to competing sources of information that interfere with health campaign information. This project examines two alternative sources of interference that have largely been ignored so far: 1) Interpersonal communication, and 2) exposure to news media messages about the campaign and the targeted health behaviour.

Four experiments will shed light on moderation of health campaign effects by these two factors. The results will provide a fuller understanding of the effects of health campaigns on health behaviour.

Requirements

* Have a research interest in the topic of the project
* Experience with research on news media and/or health communication is desirable Have a background in communication science, psychology, health sciences, or a related field
* Have proven experience with experimental research, for example in the Master`s thesis
* Have a firm background in quantitative research and the willingness to learn new statistical techniques
* Have excellent organizational skills
* Have the ability and interest to work in a team
* Have an excellent written and spoken command of English and Dutch
* Hold a relevant Master`s degree, preferably a Research Master degree or equivalent qualifications; candidates who are due to graduate before November 1st are welcome to apply
* Wish to pursue an academic career

Further information The project description may be obtained from the ASCoR Secretariat (ascor-secr-fmg@uva.nl).

Questions about the project content should be addressed to Dr Bas van den Putte (s.j.h.m.vandenputte@uva.nl). Questions about the application procedure and other general questions should be addressed to the ASCoR Research Manager, Dr Maaike Prangsma (m.e.prangsma@uva.nl).

Appointment

The position starts on 1 November 2010 at the latest, and is initially for one year. Extension of the contract after the first year to a maximum total of three years is subject to satisfactory performance. The gross monthly salary will be in accordance with the salary scales for PhD candidates at Dutch universities, i.e. ranging from €2,042 in the first year to €2,612 in the final year.

Job application
The deadline for applications is 14 August 2010. Please state the vacancy number 2010-08 in the subject line of your application. The selection interviews will be scheduled in the week of 23 August. To apply for this position, please send at least the following documents in English by email to ascor-secr-fmg@uva.nl:

* Motivation letter
* Curriculum vitae
* Proof of your Master's degree, including grade transcripts; if you have not completed your degree at the time of application, please provide a statement from your supervisor confirming the expected date of completion of your degree
* An academic writing sample in English (e.g. journal article, Master's thesis, essay).
* Please send all your documents in PDF or doc(x) format. Only complete applications will be considered.