Postdoctoral researcher in Sociology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

The Department of Sociology at Umeå University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the project Postdigital Propaganda. The position is for two years, and the start date is by agreement.

Tasks and project description

The research project analyses digital disinformation/misinformation and its consequences for democracy and social cohesion. It focuses on how false information is created and spread across digital platforms and how it can influence public opinion and undermine trust in democratic institutions. You can read more about the project here .

We seek a postdoctoral researcher interested in working with combinations of data-driven methods (Computational Social Science/digital humanities) and critical interpretive approaches such as discourse analysis. The research is conducted within the framework of our research group in digital sociology , which is also part of DIGSUM, Centre for Digital Social Research . As a postdoctoral researcher in our environment, you are expected to conduct your research within the scope of the project’s area of interest, independently and in collaboration with colleagues.

Qualifications

For this position, applicants must have a PhD in sociology or equivalent scientific competence deemed relevant in relation to the research conducted within the project. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made.

Since employment as a postdoctoral researcher is a qualification position for junior researchers, we primarily target applicants who have obtained their PhD no more than three years before the application deadline. Special circumstances may be considered for those who have obtained their PhD earlier. Special circumstances include leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical duties, positions of trust within trade unions, or other similar circumstances, as well as service/assignments relevant to the field of study.

Assessment criteria

The greatest emphasis will be placed on scientific competence in assessing candidates for the position. Following that, the quality and feasibility of the applicant’s research plan and its contribution to the project will be considered. The research described in the research plan by the applicant, if accepted, may later be adapted based on the needs of the research project. Significant importance will be placed on the applicant’s methodological versatility and an orientation towards analyses grounded in social theory. The applicant should have substantial experience working with data from social media. It is also advantageous for the position if the applicant is skilled in analysing large text-based datasets.

Given the nature of the research and the international research environment, very good skills in English, speech, and writing, as well as the ability to collaborate and work independently, are required.

The position

The position is a fixed-term, full-time employment for two years. The employment includes research for at least 80 per cent of the working time. Teaching and supervision at undergraduate and advanced levels may constitute up to 20% of the working time.

The postdoctoral position follows the Agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher , effective from February 1, 2022.

We expect the postdoc to be present at the workplace in Umeå and to participate in the department’s common activities.

Application

The application shall include:

• A research plan (maximum two A4 pages including references) describing the research you plan to conduct within the framework of the employment with the chosen focus.
• A cover letter describing your scientific interests and reasons for applying for the position (maximum 1 page).
• CV/curriculum vitae with a list of publications.
• A maximum of 5 scientific publications relevant to the position.
• Certified copies of grades and diplomas.
• Any other merits you wish to invoke.
• If you are awarded your doctoral degree after the application deadline, upload information about the planned examination and the expected examination date.
• Names and contact details with e-mail addresses of two to three academic references.

Make your application through our recruitment system, Varbi. The last day to apply is March 25, 2024.

About Us

The Department of Sociology is a dynamic research and teaching environment with about 60 employees. Research is conducted in areas such as digital sociology, attitude research, family sociology, labour market research, science studies, political sociology, gerontology, economic sociology, and medical sociology. This research is largely externally funded and carried out in larger research groups and by individual researchers. Teaching is conducted at undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels in Sociology and Library and Information Science. The department also participates in several educational programs in collaboration with other departments at the university.

Further information about the department’s activities can be found on our website . 

DIGSUM, the Centre for Digital Social Research, is an interdisciplinary centre for research on the relationship between digital technology and social change. The centre brings together researchers from all areas of the social sciences at Umeå University, such as sociology, informatics, education, political science, gender studies, law, economics, psychology, and social work.

More information about DIGSUM can be found here.