PhD fellowship in Critical Media and AI Literacy Education

Sub-project 4 · Supervisors: Prof. Jerry Jacques & Prof. Serge Bibauw

Français →

The University of Louvain (UCLouvain) has an opening for a PhD fellowship in the field of critical media literacy education, within the interdisciplinary research project “How Generative AI is shaping human language: insights from post-AI language use, learning and critical literacy”.

The project

This PhD project investigates how education about the linguistic characteristics of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can contribute to the development of critical media and AI literacy among secondary school students. Rather than focusing solely on technical knowledge, it explores how the distinctive linguistic features of GenAI outputs can help students better understand how these systems function while also engaging with broader critical questions related to representation, culture, communication, and social life.

Using a design-based research methodology, the project will develop, test, and refine an educational activity for upper secondary school students in collaboration with teachers and media educators. Through iterative classroom implementations, focus groups, and evaluation protocols, the project aims to identify effective pedagogical strategies for fostering critical media and AI literacy. Its expected outcomes include a validated open-source educational kit for teachers, a professional training program, and a framework of competencies addressing the linguistic dimensions of generative AI and their broader societal implications.

The doctoral researcher will be part of an interdisciplinary consortium, including two other PhD students, a post-doctoral researcher and five academic supervisors, investigating the impact of GenAI on language, communication, and critical literacy across educational and professional contexts.

The successful candidate will also be integrated into the GReMS research team.

Qualifications and expected profile

Required

  • Master’s degree in Communication Sciences, Media Studies, or any related field meaningful for the project
  • Excellent record of BA and MA level study
  • Excellent command of French, with the ability to teach naturally in a classroom setting
  • Good command of English (B2 minimum, C1 desired) — for publications and international conferences
  • Autonomy, sense of teamwork, ability to listen and engage with colleagues across disciplines, curiosity.

Assets

  • Experience in the field of media literacy education
  • Demonstrated teaching abilities
  • Experience in designing educational materials and learning activities
  • Experience in qualitative data collection and analysis methods
  • Interest in generative artificial intelligence and in the critical, ethical, social, and educational issues it raises
  • Willingness to travel (to academic conferences, for potential international fieldwork)

Conditions of engagement

  • The contract will initially be for two years, renewable up to a total of four years.
  • The candidate receives a doctoral fellowship grant (starting at approx. EUR 2,515 net per month).
  • The position requires residence in Belgium for the duration of the mandate.
  • Applicants from outside the EU are responsible for obtaining the necessary visa or permits, with the assistance of UCLouvain’s HR department.

Application

Application deadline: 7 August 2026

The application file (a single PDF) should include:

  • A one-page cover letter in French explaining your interest in this position and how you meet the requirements;
  • A curriculum vitae;
  • A one-page academic statement in French outlining your research interests, expectations and career goals;
  • Names and full contact details of two academic referees;
  • Copies of BA and MA diplomas and transcripts;
  • A copy of (or working links to) your master’s thesis and any academic publications (if applicable).

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview (in person in Louvain-la-Neuve or via videoconference) between 17 and 21 August 2026.

Applications and inquiries should be sent by email to Prof. Jerry Jacques (jerry.jacques@uclouvain.be) and Prof. Serge Bibauw (serge.bibauw@uclouvain.be), with the subject line “SP4 PhD application — [Your name]”.