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Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
Munich, Germany
PhD Position in Adolescents’ Social Relationships And Well-Being In The Digital Age, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Germany
Job Type
PhD
Field
Communication Studies, Social Science
Location
Munich, Germany
Published
Oct 17, 2026
Deadline
November 30, 2026
Summary
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) invites applications for two five-year PhD positions starting April 1, 2027, within the Institute for Communication Science and Media Research (IfKW) in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The positions are part of the ERC-funded project DIGIREL ('Adolescents’ Social Relationships and Well-Being in the Digital Age: Interstitial Communication Patterns and their Outcomes') under Horizon Europe. The research investigates how contemporary interstitial communication patterns influence adolescents' social relationships and well-being using a comprehensive mixed-methods design, including social network analysis, ethnography, experience-sampling, and a three-wave online school survey. The project also aims to develop validated scales for digital communication quality and competence. Formal application documents and specific qualifications are not detailed in the text.
Key Facts
| Employer | Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) |
| Department | Institute for Communication Science and Media Research (IfKW), Faculty of Social Sciences |
| Position Type | PhD Position |
| Discipline | Communication Studies / Social Sciences |
| Research Area | Adolescents' Social Relationships and Well-Being in the Digital Age |
| Funding | ERC grant under the Horizon Europe funding line |
| Contract Duration | 5 years |
| Employer Address | Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Bavaria |
About the Project
The DIGIREL project explores interstitial communication patterns—rapid switching between digital and non-digital interaction episodes—and their impacts on adolescents' close social relationships and well-being. Focusing on ties with parents, siblings, close friends, and romantic partners, the research combines qualitative and quantitative social network analyses, an ethnographic study, an experience-sampling study with data donation, and a three-wave online survey in schools. The project will also develop validated measurement scales for digital communication quality and competence.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research within the DIGIREL project using mixed-methods approaches including network analysis, ethnographic research, experience sampling, and surveys
- Develop validated scales for measuring digital communication quality and competence
Who Should Apply
Candidates interested in doctoral research on interpersonal communication, digital media usage, and adolescent well-being using quantitative and qualitative mixed methods should consider applying.
About the Employer
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) has been awarded Excellence University status as part of the German Excellence Initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is this doctoral position located?
The positions are based at the Institute for Communication Science and Media Research (IfKW) within the Faculty of Social Sciences at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).
What is the funding source for this project?
The positions are funded through an ERC grant under the Horizon Europe funding scheme.
When do the positions start and how long do they last?
The positions begin on April 1, 2027, and are fixed-term for five years based on project funding.
This listing is summarised from the official advertisement. Always confirm the details, including the closing date, on the employer's own site before applying.