Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen

The Department of Communication, Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), invites applications for three postdoctoral positions in digital media and communication research beginning 1 January 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The positions are fixed term positions for three years.

Introduction 

The successful applicants will become part of the project entitled, GREENWATCH – Green Surveillance: Imagining a Sustainable Internet of Things, funded through a European Research Council Advanced Grant, 2025-2029. The project examines the potentials and challenges of employing the Internet of Things (IoT) as a communication system monitoring the effects of human activities of Earth’s ecosystems, which further entails surveillance of human individuals and social institutions. The positions represent a unique opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary and culturally comparative work covering China, Europe, and the United States, and to contribute to theory development on a strategic issue with global ramifications.

Duties and Responsibilities

Postdoc # 1 – China

The successful applicant will undertake, first, document analyses of product information, legislation, and other materials regarding IoT in China. Second, the postdoc will conduct fieldwork in China. Third, the postdoc will contribute to collaborative and comparative analyses of what IoT is, in different world regions, and what it could become in the future.

Postdoc # 2 – Europe

The successful applicant will undertake, first, document analyses of product information, legislation, and other materials regarding IoT in Europe. Second, the postdoc will conduct fieldwork in Europe. Third, the postdoc will contribute to collaborative and comparative analyses of what IoT is, in different world regions, and what it could become as part of the green transition.

Postdoc # 3 – United States

The successful applicant will undertake, first, document analyses of product information, legislation, and other materials regarding IoT in the United States. Second, the postdoc will conduct fieldwork in the United States. Third, the postdoc will contribute to collaborative and comparative analyses of what IoT is, in different world regions, and what it could become as part of the green transition.

Qualification requirements and assessment criteria

Employment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Applicants must have specific theoretical and methodological competences in research on digital media and communicative practices. Other things being equal, applicants with previous experience in qualitative fieldwork, document analysis, or both of these approaches, will be preferred.

Applicants for the position as Postdoc # 1 – China must be fluent in speaking and writing both English and Mandarin.

Applicants for the position as Postdoc # 2 – Europe must be fluent in speaking and writing English.

Applicants for the position as Postdoc # 3 – United States must be fluent in speaking and writing English.

More information on careers at UCPH and the requirements for different academic positions is available at: Career at The University of Copenhagen – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)

For more about postdoc positions and qualification requirements, see the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities: Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (ufm.dk)

Applicants will primarily be assessed in relation to their research qualifications, including their publications, ability to conduct independent research and participate in research collaborations, and their experience with research management. In addition, the applicant’s research plan and research potential will be assessed in relation to the GREENWATCH project described above. 

Application

Applications must be submitted online in PDF or Word format. Click on the “Apply now” button at the bottom of this advertisement to apply. Applications must be written in English and must include the following attachments:  

• Letter of motivation
  
• CV
  
• Documentation of qualifications (exam certificates and PhD diploma) 
  
• Complete publication list (attached publications must be marked with an asterisk).
  

The list must be structured systematically and divided into the following categories:

• Peer-reviewed publications:
  
• • Monographs and anthologies
  • Articles in journals
  • Book chapters/anthology contributions, etc.
• Non-peer-reviewed publications:
  
• • Publications disseminating research findings, etc.

Applicants can attach a maximum of 3 publications. The publication dates must be clearly marked on the list. The selected publications must be uploaded as attachments and numbered 1-3. 

• Research plan
  
• Documentation of other work on the dissemination of research.
  

Only documentation in English will be assessed.  

Applicants are invited to familiarize themselves with the Faculty of Humanities’ strategic landmarks here: Strategic landmarks – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)

Salary and terms of employment

Terms of appointment and salary will be in accordance with an agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The salary range for Postdocs starts at DKK 38,575 (roughly EUR 5,170) + a 17.1 % contribution to the pension scheme. It is possible to negotiate salary supplements on an annual basis.

The recruitment process

Once the deadline for applications has expired, the Head of Department will consider advice from an appointment committee and select applicants for further assessment. All applicants will be notified whether they have been shortlisted. The Head of Department then sets up an expert assessment committee to consider the applications. The selected applicants will be informed who is serving on the committee, and will be offered the opportunity to comment on the committee’s assessment of their application before an appointment is announced.

Further information on the recruitment process at University of Copenhagen can be found here: Recruitment process – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)

An Equal Opportunity Workplace

The University of Copenhagen is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment, and therefore encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity, etc. For more on the diverse working place environment at the University and the University’s participation in the HRS4R HR Excellence in Research, please see HR Excellence in Research – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)

International applicant?

The University of Copenhagen offers a variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including support before and during relocation and career counselling for expat partners. Please find more information about these services as well as information on entering and working in Denmark here: For international researchers at the University of Copenhagen – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)

Contact information

Further information about the recruitment process is available from HR, email: hrsc@hrsc.ku.dk. Please refer to ID number: 211-1891/24-2I #1.

Additional information about the position, including an outline of the GREENWATCH project, can be obtained from the PI of the GREENWATCH project, Professor Klaus Bruhn Jensen, email: kbj@hum.ku.dk.

The deadline for applications is 15 September 2024 at 23:59 CEST (Central European summer time).

Any applications or additional material submitted after the deadline will not be considered. 

Link to application system: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/?show=162210