Join the CLIMATE (Connecting Levels of Individual and Macro Attitudes in Tense Environments) project at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium.

Location: Brussels, Belgium
Host: Center for Social and Cultural Psychology (CESCUP), ULB
Application deadline: 24 June 2026 (open until filled)
Preferred start date: 1 October 2026

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a 1-year postdoctoral position within the CLIMATE research project, hosted at the Center for Social and Cultural Psychology (CESCUP: www.cescup.ulb.be), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB: https://www.ulb.be/en/ulb-homepage), under the supervision of Jasper Van Assche.

About the project
CLIMATE (Connecting Levels of Individual and Macro Attitudes in Tense Environments) investigates how individual dispositions and social contexts jointly shape intergroup attitudes, political polarization, and democratic resilience. Specifically, we examine how perceptions of threat, authoritarianism, diversity, and social norms jointly influence intergroup relations and political behavior across different societies. Using large-scale cross-national surveys, longitudinal designs, and in particular a time-trends meta-analysis, the research aims to uncover if, how, and why some individuals and societies become more polarized and intolerant, while others develop greater openness and social cohesion.

Profile sought
We are looking for a motivated researcher with:
• A PhD in Social or Political Psychology
• A strong publication record in relevant areas
• Expertise in intergroup relations and/or political attitudes (an asset)
• High proficiency in quantitative methods and statistical software, ideally previous meta-analytic experience
• Experience in open science practices
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English
Note: The successful candidate will take up a coordinating role in a larger team including the PI and a PhD student and is therefore expected to be present in the lab most of the time (limited teleworking is possible).

Conditions
The position is funded for 1 year (potentially renewable for 1 year), with a net salary of approximately €3,000/month in line with Belgian legislation, including full social and medical benefits.
Equal opportunities policy: ULB's personnel management policy is geared towards diversity and equal opportunities. We recruit candidates on the basis of their skills, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, origin, nationality, beliefs, disability, etc. Would you like to be provided with reasonable accommodation in the selection procedure because of a disability, disorder, or illness? Please contact Marie Botty, the person in charge of diversity aspects for the academic and scientific staff (marie.botty@ulb.be). Be assured of the confidentiality of this information. More details on the ULB gender and diversity policy are available at Diversity at ULB (https://www.ulb.be/en/ulb-gets-involved/diversity).

How to apply
Please send a 2-page cover letter (including your scientific motivation and interest in the research topic), your CV with a list of publications, and the names and email addresses of 2 referees to jasper.van.assche@ulb.be.
Deadline: June 24, 2026 (position open until filled)
Interviews: June-July 2026
Ideal start date: Flexible but October 1, 2026 is preferred.

Feel free to reach out informally to discuss the position.
We would be grateful if you could forward this announcement to anyone who might be interested.