University Assistant postdoctoral at the Department of Communication

Among the many reasons to research and teach at the University of Vienna there is one in particular, which has convinced around 7,500 academic staff members so far. They see themselves as personalities who need space for continuous striving for top international research and scientific excellence. At the same time they enjoy support and liberties that are not a given at other institutions. Does that sound like something for you? Welcome to our team!

Your personal sphere of play:

Your future position is at the Journalism Studies Center in the Department of Communication, a sub-unit of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Vienna. The JSC has over the past eight years built up a strong reputation in journalism scholarship that is characterized by evidence-led work which is concerned with a range of transformative developments in journalism internationally and nationally.

Current research in the Center is concerned with 1) the comparative study of journalism cultures, 2) the impact of peripheral actors on journalism, 3) audience expectations of and trust in journalism, 4) the role of emotions in journalism, 5) diversity, activism and interventionism in journalism, and 6) the role of sub-fields like lifestyle journalism, Indigenous journalism, constructive journalism and others.

The postdoctoral researcher’s tasks will include developing, conducting, and internationally presenting/publishing research through the use of diverse qualitative and quantitative methods. Experience with comparative research and open science approaches are of advantage. The postdoctoral researcher should engage in efforts to acquire third-party funding in collaboration with the research team and will contribute to administrative tasks at the department. First experiences with grant application writing and acquisition as well as managing small teams are therefore beneficial. Moreover, the position involves independent teaching of subjects in the area of journalism studies as defined by the collective agreement within the teaching program of Communication Studies.

The position is limited to six years and is planned to be filled from 01.10.2024. 

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching, and administration, which means:

• You build up an independent research profile in the field of journalism studies.
• You are involved in research projects and scientific studies in the area of journalism studies.
• You publish in internationally esteemed journals and present your research at national and international conferences, meetings and symposia.
• You actively engage in applying for third-party funds.
• You teach courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You supervise students and participate in examination activities within the Bachelor and Master programs in Communication Studies.
• You participate in evaluation measures and in quality assurance.
• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.
• You are an active team member who collaborates with colleagues in the Journalism Studies Center.

This is part of your personality: 

• Completed doctoral/PhD studies in journalism, media or communication
• Expertise in the field of journalism studies
• Excellent track record proven through high quality international publications in peer-reviewed journals and academic presentations at international conferences
• In-depth knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• Very good knowledge of analytical tools such as SPSS, R, MaxQDA, N-Vivo etc.
• Early experience in research management and in leading project staff
• Good didactic skills and some experience in teaching at university level
• Excellent knowledge of English (C1) is essential
• Strong team player and high social/communicative skills

What we offer:

• Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).
• Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.
• Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.
• Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis.
• Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 4.752.30 (14 times a year) for a period of 6 years increases if we can credit professional experience.
• Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae
• With a motivation letter including a description of your current and future research interests (max. 3 pages)
• With your list of publications
• With an electronic copy of your dissertation
• With contact details of two persons who could provide reference letters
• Via our job portal/ Apply now - button´