University Assistant postdoctoral at the Department of Communication

The University of Vienna is a cosmopolitan hub for more than 10,000 employees, of whom around 7,500 work in research and teaching. They want to do research and teach at a place that suits their ideas and work together towards answering the big questions of the future. You also appreciate the exchange between disciplines, cultures and generations? We are looking for a/an

University Assistant postdoctoral at the Department of Communication 

49 Faculty of Social Sciences 

Job vacancy starting: 07/01/2024 | Working hours: 40,00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) 

Limited contract until: 06/30/2030

Job ID: 1157

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 Vienna Media Change and Innovation (VMCI) Lab at the Department of Communication, a sub-unit of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Vienna. The VMCI Lab studies, how changes in the media environment and novel technologies affect the individual, social relationships, and society as a whole. Current research in our group focuses on media socialization, political engagement, bias and stereotypes, as well as digital media literacy in the changing media environment with a particular focus on media use and effects across the life-span. Integrating theoretical perspectives from communication science, social and developmental psychology, sociology and political science, we study these pressing questions using quantitative, qualitative and computational methods. In doing so, we strive to generate knowledge that both advances the scholarly debate and is relevant for society and practice.

The postdoctoral researchers will work closely with Univ.-Prof. Desirée Schmuck and other members in the research group. Expertise in one or more of the following areas is required: 1) uses and effects of digital technology and artificial intelligence among youth, 2) threats to online discourses, information acquisition and intergroup relations (e.g., mis- and disinformation, hate speech, incivility), 3) the impact of algorithms and curation on online information flows and participatory processes, 4) a differential susceptibility perspective on media effects in the changing media environment with a focus on protective factors aimed at media literacy and digital agency.

The postdoctoral researcher’s tasks will include developing, conducting, and internationally presenting/publishing research through the use of diverse methods including longitudinal panel surveys, computational and quantitative content analyses, and experiments. 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 media change and media innovation and/or methods courses as defined by the collective agreement within the teaching program of Communication Science.

The position is limited to 6 years and is planned to be filled from 01.07.2024. 

Your future tasks:

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

• You build up an independent research profile in the field of Media Change and Media Innovation.
• You are involved in research projects and scientific studies in the area of Communication Science.
• You publish in international, SSCI-ranked journals and present your research at national and international conferences, meetings and symposia.
• You actively engage in applying for third-party funds.
• You hold 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.

This is part of your personality: 

• Completed doctoral/PhD studies in Communication Science
• Theoretical expertise in the field of media change and media innovation, with a focus on one or more of the subject areas specified above
• Excellent track record proven through international publications in peer-reviewed journals and academic presentations at international conferences
• In-depth knowledge of quantitative research methods, in particular longitudinal and cross-sectional surveys, experimental designs, and computational and quantitative content analysis
• Very good knowledge of multivariate and advanced statistical data analysis using software like R, Stata, or SPSS (knowledge of R is an advantage)
• First experience in research management and in leading project staff
• Good didactic skills and first experience in university-oriented teaching and/or the supervision of academic theses
• Team player and high social/communicative skills
• Excellent German & English skills both written and spoken are essential
  
   

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. 2 pages)
• With your list of publications
• With contact details of two referees we could contact
• Via our job portal/ Apply now - button

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Desiree Schmuck

We look forward to new personalities in our team! 
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity . We lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

​Application deadline: 06/04/2024