Full-time PhD fellowship (4 years) to work on an ERC project on Digital Wellbeing

Research group imec-mict-UGent at Ghent University

The research group imec-mict-UGent at Ghent University is pleased to invite applications (m/f/x) for a full-time 4-year PhD fellowship in the context of the ERC project “Digital Wellbeing in a Culture of Ubiquitous Connectivity: Towards a Dynamic Pathway Model [DISCONNECT]”. The PhD fellow will work on subproject B of the DISCONNECT project. In this subproject, we closely follow a small numbers of persons to gain greater understanding of what digital wellbeing means to them, and what helps and hinders them in finding a healthy balance between connectivity and disconnection. To that end, we observe and interview people in their daily life.

About the project

Digital technologies such as smartphones, laptops and smart watches enable an ever-present connectivity. This connectivity both empowers us and threatens our autonomy. On the one hand, digital technologies help us manage our everyday life and reach our personal goals. On the other hand, they divert our attention away from our primary activities, and exert pressure to be permanently online and permanently connected. This paradox creates an urgent challenge: How can individuals balance connectivity and “disconnectivity? The DISCONNECT project, a large scale research project funded by the European Research Council that is supervised by Prof. dr. Mariek Vanden Abeele, seeks answers to this question by using innovative research methods. This vacancy concerns subproject B. In subproject B of the DISCONNECT project, we closely follow 30 Flemish adults during a period of 2 years using ethnographic research approaches. We collect information about the participants’ smartphone and laptop use, but also spend longer amounts of time in their presence (participatory observation) to gain a better understanding of the role that digital media play in their lives, and we talk to them about their data. By means of triangulation, we attempt to gain insight into when individuals experience (a lack of) digital wellbeing, and which factors contribute to this experience. More information about the project can be found here. 

Tasks 

You will be a member of an interdisciplinary team, in which your task will be to analyze qualitative data that you collect among a small group of Flemish adults. You school yourself in both classical and innovative digital-ethnographic research methods. These include participatory observation and interviewing, but also concern the use of digital data (log data) to garner insights. You subsequently apply these techniques and methods in the project. You contribute to the development of an overarching theoretical framework, actively contribute to the data collection, write scientific articles, and participate in (inter-)national scientific congresses. Additionally, you are expected to complete a doctoral dissertation based on your research. Finally, you participate in the daily activities of the ERC-team, the research group imec-mict-UGent, and the department of Communication Sciences at Ghent University. After successfully completing the dissertation, you have acquired skills that put you on the map as ‘digital ethnographer’. 

Profile of the candidate

• You have a master’s degree in communication Sciences, anthropology, or sociology, and can demonstrate an outspoken interest in ethnographic research methods. Candidates with degrees from other programs (e.g., psychology) may also apply when they can show sufficient knowledge of the research domain and/or can demonstrate relevant expertise and/or interest. Students who are currently finalizing their master’s degree are welcome to apply. 
• You are an excellent and motivated researcher with an analytic mind. Your profile becomes more competitive if you have already acquired methodological and analytical skills for collecting and analyzing qualitative research data.
• You are fluent in both Dutch and English, and you have mastered the basics of academic writing in English. 
• You are pro-active, and are capable of independently developing and managing your own research line within the confines of the ERC project.
• You are communicative, work well in a team and are capable of both giving and receiving feedback, as well as transforming feedback adequately in your work activities. 
• You enjoy being involved also in the other subproject of DISCONNECT, which will be performed by other team members.
• You are not afraid to roll up your sleeves. At times when the project asks a lot of energy, you can motivate both yourself and others.

What we offer

We offer you a fulltime fellowship for a period of maximum 4 years. The earliest starting date of the contract is 1 September 2021.  

Note: If you have been employed as a fellow or research assistant at a Flemish university below, this may have consequences for your contract. 

In addition to the doctoral grant, you can count on a number of benefits, such as 38 days of paid leave per year, a wide range of training and education opportunities, bicycle commuting reimbursement, ecocheques, etc. A complete overview of all benefits can be found on the UGent website.

You will work in a dynamic and stimulating research environment. You will work in the brand new ‘De Krook’ buiding in Ghent, a place where knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurship are central.

Procedure

All applications must be received no later than June 30, 2021 at 23:59 (CET) at jobs.mict@ugent.be, with the following documents attached as one file:

• A cover letter, in which you motivate why we should consider your candidacy 
• A CV, in which you include the names and contact information of 2 persons who we may contact as referents 
• A transcript of your degree(s)
• A scan of your study results
• A document that demonstrates your writing skills (e.g., a paper or your thesis)

Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy. Everyone is encouraged to apply for this position. 

Please contact the principal investigator of the project, Prof. dr. Mariek Vanden Abeele, if you have further questions about this position and the vacancy: mariek.vandenabeele@ugent.be.

More information about the imec research group mict can be found here: www.mict.be