Postdoc Understanding micro-dynamics to de-escalate online discourse

The Social Psychology Group of the University of Groningen invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position. This new position is part of the Vidi project of Namkje Koudenburg “The conversational dynamics of polarization: bottom-up drivers of societal division and democratic resilience”, funded by NWO. The successful candidate will work together with Prof. Koudenburg and Prof. Mike Huiskes.

Polarization is one of the most urgent challenges facing Western democracies today. The Vidi-project investigates how conversational dynamics contribute to radical polarization, and how they can be harnessed to promote healthier democratic discourse. This part of the project focuses on online conversations. Building on social-psychological theorizing, but integrating insights from political, cultural, and communication studies, this project aims to analyse how micro-level dynamics in everyday conversations shape perceptions of polarization and influence public discourse. The core aims are to explain the principles of bottom-up polarization and develop guidelines for de-escalating discussions on online platforms. Through partnerships with government bodies and media platforms, the applicant will co-develop interventions to improve democratic discourse—particularly in online environments.

The postdoc will work on two sub-projects. Sub-project 1 assesses polarized conversational dynamics in existing datasets of online text-based conversations in The Netherlands and the United States on immigration. We are interested in how perceptions of polarization impact conversational dynamics. Using discourse analysis (DA), we will analyze positioning, alignment and sequence of interactional turns, as well as the construction of group identity through the use of categorization devices. Unique to this project is the integrated approach in which micro-analytic practices identified with DA are related to self-reported moralization and polarization—attitudinal, structural, and affective.

Sub-project 2 examines interventions to de-escalate online discussions. In two studies, we experimentally manipulate conversational dynamics that disrupt flow and signal conflict in online interactions to improve constructive discourse. We collaborate with an existing online discussion platform.

What are you going to do?

• Theorize and develop your own research questions.
• Analyse data of two existing datasets with discourse analysis.
• Lead a series of experimental laboratory studies.
• Coordinate and organize the set-up of a field intervention study in an online discussion platform.
• Collaborate closely with project partners (e.g. online discussion platforms), to conduct the research and to disseminate your findings in practice.
• Publish the results of your studies in international scientific journals, and present results at international conferences.

We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:

• A PhD degree in social psychology, communication studies, or a related discipline.
• A relevant publication record demonstrating the ability to publish international academic publications, preferably in top tier peer-reviewed journals.
• A solid training in social psychology quantitative methods and statistics, and/or in discourse analysis, and a motivation to learn new methodology.
• A clear interest in collaborative interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent command of the English language.
• Ability to analyze Dutch spoken and written language is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and manage joint research activities.
• Experience with theory-driven research with a clear eye for practical implications.
• The ability to manage collaborations with partners in and outside academia (e.g. relevant stakeholders).
• A team player with strong communication skills.
• Demonstrable competences as conceptual capacity, contextual awareness, presenting and result orientation.

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences (GMW) excels in research and teaching in the areas of behaviour, thinking, learning, and participation in society. More than 4,500 students and approximately 650 staff address social questions and challenges that people experience in daily life. Our core focus is on individual and societal resilience and how to strengthen it. We focus on current themes such as health and wellbeing, sustainable living, learning and development, inclusive society, safe and healthy upbringing, and work and collaboration. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, visit rug.nl/gmw. 

The Department of Psychology has an excellent scientific reputation reflected, among others, in high rankings. The Social Psychology group is known for outstanding research in group processes, inter-group relations, with an emphasis on conflict, diversity, well-being, communication, and collective action. This standing is reflected, among other things, in the impact of our research in the international academic community. But we also conduct highly impactful ‘applied’ work that focuses on some of the most pressing issues and topics nationally and regionally. Because of this, the group has established excellent connections with partners across the breadth of society. We offer teaching at all levels of the Bachelor and Master curriculum, including the faculty’s Research Master of Behavioral and Social Science. For more information about the group, see https://www.rug.nl/gmw/research/psychology/research-units/social-psychology/

The candidate will also be closely collaborating with the Discourse and Communication Group of Centre of Language and Cognition Groningen.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Namkje Koudenburg (Associate Professor): N.Koudenburg@rug.nl

Questions about your application process?
Namkje Koudenburg (Associate Professor): N.Koudenburg@rug.nl