Postdoctoral Researcher, History, Culture and Communication Studies

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Propaganda Studies to join the History, Culture and Communications Unit in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Oulu. The successful candidate will develop and implement an independent research plan focusing on propaganda, understood as the deliberate dissemination of biased, selective, or misleading information intended to shape public opinion in support of, or opposition to, a particular cause, individual, group, institution, or movement. Applicants are encouraged to propose their own conceptual, theoretical, and methodological approaches to the study of propaganda. Research may examine political, social, cultural, technological, or informational dimensions of propaganda and may employ qualitative, quantitative, computational, historical, or mixed methods designs. The proposed research should be grounded in the social sciences and/or humanities and should address contemporary or recent (21st-century) forms of propaganda, focusing on Northern European societies. The position is part of the SafeEarth research programme which integrates the University of Oulu’s specialised research areas in space security, cybersecurity, and human security. Within SafeEarth, the position is connected to the themes “Language use, information practices and security” and “Information warfare and cybersecurity”. The researchers will work in collaboration with Professor Kari Alenius (History) and Professor Noora Hirvonen (Information Studies), and their respective research teams. Professor Alenius and his team focus on political propaganda, including strategic communication and information warfare conducted by state actors, parties, and ideological groups. Their research examines the objectives of propaganda and the reasons why particular methods are employed, with a particular emphasis on the present and recent history. Professor Hirvonen and her team build on sociocultural and sociotechnical information practice research and examine how contemporary propaganda is encountered, experienced, and interacted with in everyday life, particularly among young people. Their research aims to advance understanding of both the first-hand experiences of propaganda and of the situational and globally interconnected information environments and structures that shape the emergence of such experiences. Beyond advancing understanding of propaganda, both research groups are motivated by the need to support the development of strategies to countering harmful information influence, particularly through strengthening media and information literacy. In today’s media and information environments, where information influence efforts have become increasingly complex, multimodal, and difficult to detect, research on propaganda offers important tools for understanding how information is used to shape perceptions, attitudes, and public opinion. By generating knowledge that can inform public debate, decision making, education, and media practices, such research has the potential to contribute to countering harmful influence activities, reducing polarization, fostering critical thinking, and strengthening societal security and resilience. We expect the recruited researcher to align their planned activities with these broader objectives. About the job As a Postdoctoral Researcher your primary duties will include: Planning and conducting independent research on propaganda, from a selected viewpoint. Producing academic contributions in the form of articles and/or monographs. Actively participating and facilitating interdisciplinary work between the different subjects of the History, Culture, and Communication Studies Research Unit and within the SafeEarth programme. Participating in outreach initiatives that engage both academic and non-academic publics. Engaging in writing and submitting applications for further research funding. Contributing to teaching (max. 5% of your total working time). Other administrative and community activities linked to academic life at the University of Oulu. What we offer The support of two subjects (History, Information Studies), with whom you can share your expertise and grow as an expert. Development and career options of a big organization. Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here. Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu. We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us. Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu . Who are you? In order to succeed and enjoy the P