The Department of Media and Journalism Studies within the School of Communication and Culture at Aarhus University invites applications for two postdoc positions with a focus on journalism studies, environmental humanities or a combination of both. The two postdoc positions are central to the research project ‘Seasonal Journalism as Vernacular Phenology’ funded by the Aarhus University Research Foundation (AUFF) and led by Associate Professor Henrik Bødker in collaboration with Dr. Michelle Bastian (University of Edinburgh).
The postdoc positions are full time and fixed-term, 19-month positions. The positions start on 1 January 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The School of Communication and Culture is committed to diversity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply regardless of their personal background.
The project ‘Seasonal Journalism as Vernacular Phenology’ is an investigation of everyday observations of the timings of natural phenomena in what we term ‘seasonal journalism’ (for example, recurrent articles on gardening, first flowering, agricultural timing) in the last 25 years. We approach these observations as a form of vernacular ‘phenology’, which, in ecology, refers to the study of cyclical and seasonal occurrences. The project is an exploratory one which will combine insights into temporality from journalism studies and environmental humanities. Our interest is in identifying how a local awareness of climate change can be traced in media outputs from Denmark and Australia since the turn of the century. Based on the available material, both analogue and digital, the project seeks to develop methodologies for framing, gathering and analysing data on seasonal media and communicating findings more widely. The research team will work collaboratively, building on our individual strengths, and we are open to applicants suggesting novel framings within our overarching interest of investigating seasonal journalism.
We are looking to fill the two postdoc positions with applicants interested in participating in and developing research in journalism studies, the environmental humanities and/or ecological timing at an international level. It is expected that the successful applicants will have a good command of current debates in one of the designated research fields and are able to set out a convincing approach for how they will identify and develop synergies between them. Within the overall framework, successful applicants will have the opportunity to develop their own ideas and projects that are in line with their interests and expertise. In addition to that, we plan to build a team with good communications skills and a reliable work ethic.
Successful applicants will be expected to
While each postdoc position is primarily research-based, at our department it also involves a degree of teaching and supervision or other department tasks (approximately 20% of the postdoc’s employment). The successful applicant will thus take part in some of the department’s teaching and supervision activities at the MA level. This will mainly take place at our international Erasmus Mundus Programme ‘Journalism, Media, and Globalisation’, and will align with the successful applicant’s skills and interests where possible.
Applicants must have a PhD degree or must document equivalent qualifications in any field related to the representation of climate change and/or other environmental issues.
Applicants must be able to document
Furthermore, it will be considered an advantage if applicants can document
Applicants are asked to provide a proposal for research to be undertaken within the stated framework of the research project (max. three pages). Please also address each of the specific criteria in an accompanying cover letter.
Please note that applications that do not include evidence of academic writing (this could be publications or sections from the PhD dissertation (up to a maximum of five submissions)) will not be considered.
Active participation in the daily life of the department is a high priority, and we emphasise the importance of good working relations, both among colleagues and with our students. In order to maintain and develop the department’s excellent teaching and research environment, the successful applicant is expected to be present at the department on a regular basis.
We respect the balance between work and private life and strive to create a work environment in which that balance can be maintained. See Family and work-life balance for further information.
Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU.
International applicants are encouraged to see Attractive working conditions for further information about the benefits of working at Aarhus University and in Denmark, including healthcare, paid holidays and, if relevant, childcare and schooling. Aarhus University offers a wide variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including a relocation service and career counselling for expat partners. For information about taxation, see Taxation aspects of international researchers’ employment by AU.
Grounded in its historical blending of research traditions within the humanities and social sciences, the department carries out research and teaching which examines media and journalistic institutions, productions, texts, use/reception and the roles of media and journalism in culture and society in current and historical perspectives. The Department of Media and Journalism Studies at Aarhus University is one of nine departments that make up the School of Communication and Culture in the Faculty of Arts. The research environment is characterised by extensive participation in cross-institutional national and international research projects, well-established national and international research networks as well as international conferences. In the QS World University Ranking system, communication and media studies at Aarhus University has consistently ranked in the top 50 since 2012 and is currently ranked 42nd in the world. The researchers at the department are engaged in the following AU-based research programmes and research centres:
Centre for University Studies in Journalism
DATALAB – Centre for Digital Social Research
Centre for Internet Studies
Centre for Media Industries and Production Studies
Centre for Transnational Media Research
Centre for Sound Studies
Center for Kulturevaluering (CKE)
Centre for Humanistic Computing
DIGHUMLAB
Cultural Transformations
Media, Communication and Society
Prospective applicants are invited to view the department’s website.
The place of employment is the Department of Media and Journalism Studies, Helsingforsgade 14, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
The school is a part of the Faculty of Arts. You will find information about the school and its research programmes, departments and diverse activities on its website.
For further information about the position, please contact the project leader Henrik Bødker hb@cc.au.dk.
If you need help uploading your application or if you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Arts HR, supporter Helle Sindal, mail: hsi@au.dk or e-mail: emply.ar.hr@au.dk.
Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent academic qualifications.
The Faculty of Arts refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities (the Appointment Order).
Aarhus University also offers a junior researcher development programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here: https://talent.au.dk/junior-researcher-development-programme/
If nothing else is noted, applications must be submitted in English. The application deadline is at 11.59 pm Danish time (same as Central European Time) on the deadline day.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.Shortlists may be prepared with the candidates that have been selected for a detailed academic assessment. A committee set up by the head of school is responsible for selecting the most qualified candidates. See this link for further information about shortlisting at the Faculty of Arts: shortlisting
The Faculty of Arts is one of five main academic areas at Aarhus University.
The faculty contributes to Aarhus University’s research, talent development, knowledge exchange and degree programmes.
With its 550 academic staff members, 275 PhD students, 9,500 BA and MA students, and 1,500 students following continuing/further education programmes, the faculty constitutes a strong and diverse research and teaching environment.
The Faculty of Arts consists of the School of Communication and Culture, the School of Culture and Society and the Danish School of Education. Each of these units has strong academic environments and forms the basis for interdisciplinary research and education.
The faculty’s academic environments and degree programmes engage in international collaboration and share the common goal of contributing to the development of knowledge, welfare and culture in interaction with society.
Read more at arts.au.dk/en
The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University’s website.
