PhD student in Media and Communication Studies

Published: 2021-07-07

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

The Department of Informatics and Media (http://www.im.uu.se/?languageld=l) has a broad research profile based on research in the disciplines Media- and Communication Studies, Human-Computer Interaction and Information Systems. Within Media and Communication Studies (MCS), staff conducts research across a variety of types of communication and mediation in a number of global and local contexts. While our work spans a large number of topics and approaches, it is linked by a profoundly interdisciplinary and critical approach to media and communication as fundamental in setting trajectories of contemporary social change as well defining conditions and challenges of human existence.

Duties/Project description: Uppsala University’s Department of Informatics and Media is currently advertising for a position as a PhD Student in Media and Communication Studies with specialism in Critical Discourse Studies of Media and Political Communication. This is a fully salaried PhD position (doktorandtjänst), equivalent to a maximum of four-year full-time PhD studies. The holder of the PhD position shall primarily devote her/himself to her/his own doctoral study (see theme below). Active participation in departmental activities is expected. Other tasks, including teaching and administrative work – in English and/or Swedish – can also be part of the employment (for a maximum of 20%).

Critical Discourse Studies (CDS) is a way of conducting research in the social sciences - especially in media and communication research - with a focus on "discourse" i.e. on text and related forms of semiosis analysed in context of their use, production and reception. CDS has become very popular in recent years as one of the most important qualitative approaches to analysing social and political change and its discursive and communicative articulations and patterns of mediation. CDS has been widely appreciated for its ability to link theory and analysis, as well as for providing a robust empirical view of the media and political discourse including the paths and categories of its text-oriented analysis. This has been particularly the case in connection with such persistent aspects of contemporary socio-political dynamics as, among others, right-wing populism and nativist authoritarianism, or the institutionalization of neoliberalism within global capitalism.

Requirements: For admission to the PhD program in Media and Communication Studies, an applicant must have basic and specific eligibility prescribed by the Faculty of Social Sciences. Anyone with a degree on the advanced level (i.e. a master's degree), that has completed course requirements of at least 240 credits (including at least 60 credits at advanced level) has fulfilled the basic entry requirements, The specific eligibility requirements for admission to the PhD program in Media and Communication require that the applicant has passed courses of 90 credits in Media and Communication Studies. Anyone that in any other way, in or out of the country, has acquired equivalent knowledge is also considered to fulfil the basic or specific eligibility requirements, respectively.

We are seeking a candidate with well documented knowledge in media and communication. Knowledge in critical discourse research of media and/or political communication is an additional merit. Candidates should have a good overview of social sciences and/or the humanities, and a strong interest in empirical research. Great importance will be attached to the candidate's personal suitability for the post. Sought for qualifications are teamwork abilities, initiative, independence and a reflective and analytic approach. Very good communicative skills are required, including the excellent command of written and spoken English.

When the University employs new doctoral students, those candidates will be chosen who after a qualitative evaluation of competence and skills have been deemed to have the best capacity to fulfil work duties as well as contribute to a positive development of the research environment. Of vital importance is the capacity to timely complete the doctoral program.

Qualifications must be documented so that quality as well as extent can be evaluated.

Candidates should be available for interview, either in person in Uppsala or via Internet.

Additional information:

For a description of PhD Programme within the Department of Informatics and Media, see http://www.samfak.uu.se and https://im.uu.se/education/phd-studies/

Further information about the Subject Media and Communication Studies see https://im.uu.se/research/media-and-communication/

Further information about PhD studies at Uppsala University is available at:

http://www.uu.se/utbildning/utbildningar/forskarutbildning/

Complete applications must include: 

The motives why you are applying, your research interest and relevant experiences for the PhD post (max 500 words)

A list of documents submitted in to support the application

If more than one academic work is handed in, you should name one of them to be prioritized by the admission committee.

• A dissertation plan (two pages, in English). The plan should cover theoretical approach, aim, research questions, type of data, method and time plan.
• Curriculum Vitae/Résumé, including English proficiency with certified transcript(s) of your academic record/degree(s) to date, proving the basic and specific eligibility,
• Two letters of recommendation
• A copy of independently written work produced within the applicant's course of studies (e.g. bachelor or master thesis; include a draft if not completed) or other relevant text(s)
• Other documents the applicant may wish to attach in support of their application (e.g. English test results).

PLEASE NOTE: Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Additional qualifications: Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines .

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.
Starting date: 01-12-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %.

For further information about the position please contact: Prof. Michał Krzyżanowski, Chair & Head of Subject in Media and Communications, [email protected]

Please submit your application by 10 September 2021, UFV-PA 2021/2977.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden . 

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Informatics and Media

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Fixed salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100 %

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: ST/TCO [email protected]
Seko Universitetsklubben [email protected]
Saco-rådet [email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2021/2977

Last application date: 2021-09-10

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