Postdoctoral position in political science with a focus on information influence and disinformation
Statsvetenskapliga institutionen
The Swedish Defence University is an internationally renowned university in the area of defence, crisis management and security. We offer a unique academic environment where military and civilian researchers, teachers and students interact. We educate and train top-level executives, experts, and researchers for the task of analyzing and managing current and future crises, security issues and conflicts. The university educates all military officers in the Swedish armed forces and leads the academic progression of the military profession. We conduct research in the areas of Law with a focus on International and Operational Law, Leadership and Command & Control, Military History, Political Science, Systems Science for Defence and Security and War Studies.
Political science research at the Swedish Defence University analyses how security and insecurity are created, who security is for, and how crises are prevented and handled in Swedish, European, and global contexts. We explore threats, conflicts, decision-making processes, communication processes, identity construction, and ethical dilemmas concerning the state, society, and individual, with a special focus on Sweden and the Nordic countries, the European Union, the United States, Russia, and East Asia.
The aim of our research and education is to contribute a more complex and nuanced understanding of the world. Our researchers regularly share their expertise in national and international media, advising policymakers, participating in commissioned training, and informing the public on current issues.
Research in political science at the Swedish Defence University can be divided into two overarching themes - security studies and crisis management - and several specialisations, which organise researchers as well as doctoral students.
Description
The theme of this postdoctoral position is the problem with the spread of harmful information influence and disinformation in the international media sphere. The position is linked to research in political science on how antagonistic states and/or actors engage in information-influence activities to harm democracy and influence citizens and decision-makers in other states, often through the dissemination of disinformation and strategic narratives in the international media sphere.
Duties
Your main responsibilities involve conducting and planning research in political science, with a focus on information influence. The research is carried out within sub-disciplines such as political communication and political psychology. The research focuses on the issue of harmful information influence, for example, by analyzing the strategies and tools used by different states. It may also examine the effects, susceptibility, and countermeasures. The work is conducted in close collaboration with other researchers in the department, as well as within the framework of international networks. Commissioned research is included. Teaching can be included (up to 20 %).
Eligibility
By the date of entry, the applicant must have completed a PhD dissertation in a social science subject of high relevance to the position. The applicant's research must be judged to be in line with and able to contribute to the department's research in the field. Experience in independent work that uses quantitative methods, experimental studies and/or narrative analysis is valuable. Experience in designing educational exercises, games, and scenarios is highly valuable. Publication of articles relevant to the position in scientific journals is particularly valuable. Applicants who have completed their doctorate no more than three years before the application deadline are primarily considered.
In cases where there is not an even gender balance, the Swedish Defence University may, in the event of equal or largely equal qualifications among the applicants, employ the underrepresented applicant.
About the position
This is a temporary full-time position for maximum three years (set up as two plus one depending on founding). Starting date as soon as possible, according to agreement.
Employment at the Swedish Defence University may involve a security clearance according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585).
The employment may also involve wartime placement. If you are already placed in a wartime position in your current employment at an authority and your expertise is needed in the Swedish Defence University's wartime organization, negotiations will take place between the relevant authority and the Swedish Defence University regarding your placement.
Salary and benefits
Swedish Defence University applies individual salary setting.
Information about benefits for employees at the Swedish Defence University can be found here Benefits.
Application
The application should include a CV and previous academic publications. Applications are submitted via the Swedish Defence University's recruitment system by clicking on the link "Log in and apply for the job" on the advertisement page. Mark your application with the reference number HR 35/2025.
Further information about the position
Professor Charlotte Wagnsson, charlotte.wagnsson@fhs.se
HR-partner Christoffer Svensson, christoffer.svensson@fhs.se
We welcome your application no later than March 20. 2025!
| Type of employment | Temporary position |
|---|---|
| Contract type | Full time |
| First day of employment | According to agreement |
| Salary | Individual salary setting |
| Number of positions | 1 |
| Full-time equivalent | 100% |
| City | Stockholm |
| County | Stockholms län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | HR 35/2025 |
| Union representative |
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| Published | 27.Feb.2025 |
| Last application date | 21.Mar.2025 11:59 PM CET |