PhD candidate, as part of the SBO-FWO SWYPPe project: Sexual wellbeing and the impact of pornography consumption in healthcare contexts

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The Faculty of of Medicine and Health Sciencess is looking for a full-time (100%) PhD candidate, as part of the SBO-FWO SWYPPe project: Sexual wellbeing and the impact of pornography consumption in healthcare contexts 

The project

You will be part of an interdisciplinary and inter-university FWO-SBO project (UAntwerp, VUB, UGent, KULeuven, PXL University College) aimed at mapping the sexual well-being of adolescents and young adults in relation to pornography use. The project involves conducting various (qualitative and quantitative) studies and developing evidence-based tools and information to support young people, parents, and various stakeholders concerning well-being and pornography use. More information about the consortium can be found at www.swyppe.be.
Research on (pornography consumption) has so far mainly focused on white, cisgender, heterosexual men. However, little is known about the impact of pornography consumption among diverse sexual and gender identity groups. There is also limited knowledge about the impact on the sexual development of young people, while many seek help for sexual problems and there is a clear demand for more information from them. This research looks into the reasons why adolescents and young adults watch pornography, its influence on their sexual well-being and relationship satisfaction, and the possible risks and benefits for various minority groups. We adopt an intersectional perspective to go beyond singular categorizations and broaden existing theories. The project involves collaboration with six PhD students, valorization and communication managers, all embedded in a strongly interdisciplinary and inter-university context.

Position

The objective of your research is to investigate the impact of pornography consumption on the sexual wellbeing of young people and to explore how health care professionals (medical doctors, sexologists, psychologists, etc.) are and should be handeling this possible link in patients presenting with sexual difficulties. As part of this research project, you will actively work on the preparation and defense of a doctoral dissertation on the impact of porn consumption (PC) on the sexual wellbeing on young people in healthcare contexts. During your research, you will aim to assess the prevalence of PC in AYA’s presenting with sexual problems, Understand the possible role of PC in Aya's with situational physical arousal or orgasm problems, develop a screening tool, diary measure, etc. to evaluate to role of porn use in case of physical arousal problems. And explore normative thinking patterns of AYA’sand healthcare providers about porn’s effects on sexual functioning.

For this, you will conduct

• Both qualitative research and quantitative research with young people and health care providers.
• Questionnaire based studies
• Phenomenological studies based on clinical & Sexological Assessment and follow up:
• Case by case patient interviews
• Health care provider focus groups
• Inductive iterative analysis and Interpretative data-analysis from a grounded theory approach
• A RCT on porn abstincance
• Publish articles in international scientific journals and prepare a doctoral thesis.
• Participate in scientific conferences in the field of research.
• Assist in communicating research results via a project website and social media.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align research results with practice and optimize the societal impact of the research.
• Contribute to editing research project proposals.
• Undertake a limited range of research support tasks, and service assignments for the Department of Communication Sciences at the University of Antwerp.

Profile

• You have obtained a master's degree in a relevant field of health science (e.g. Medicine, Sexology, Psychology, or another relevant master's degree, or you will obtain the degree by the time of appointment.
• You can present excellent academic results.
• You have knowledge and/or experience in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research
• You take initiative, are a team player but can also work independently and take responsibility.
• You are aware of your own values, norms, opinions, ideas, etc. with regards to sexual wellbeing and specifically pornography and are able to conduct objective research from a neutral standpoint.
• You work with a quality-oriented, integral, conscientious, creative, and collaborative approach.
• You are highly motivated to conduct high-level doctoral research within the mentioned domain.
• You are driven to publish your research results in scientific articles.
• You have excellent writing and communication skills.
• You have an excellent command of English (and Dutch).
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.

What we offer

• A doctoral scholarship for a period of 2 years. The scholarship is renewable once after a positive evaluation, for a further period of two years.
• The anticipated start date is January 1, 2025.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will work mainly at Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and health Sciences, in a dynamic and stimulating work environment. You are also expected to regularly travel to other universities due to the inter-university collaboration in this project.
• You will be supervised by a multidisciplinary team of promoters: Prof. Dr. Gunter De Win, Prof. Dr. Alexis De Waele, Prof. Dr. Inge Glazemakers, and Prof. Dr. Rick Roels.
• You will be part of an interdisciplinary and inter-university team.
• You will have the opportunity to build a national/international network with academic colleagues and societal stakeholders, which also offers prospects for your further career.
• You will have various opportunities for personal development through conference participation, training via the Doctoral Schools, participation in teaching activities, and publication opportunities.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy until 4 November 2024 via the online application platform of the University of Antwerp. Click the ‘Apply’ button and complete the online application form. Attach the following documents:
  • A motivation letter
  • A copy of your diplomas and an overview of your study results for each academic year
  • A document of about two pages in which you outline a research proposal within the domain of the vacancy
• The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. Once a decision is made, we will inform you. If you qualify after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the next step(s) in the selection procedure and invited for an interview.
• For questions about the online application form, you can consult the Frequently Asked Questions or email jobs@uantwerpen.be. For substantive questions about the position, you can contact Prof. Dr. Gunter De Win (Gunter.DeWin@UAntwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.