Postdoctoral researcher Communication Science at AI, Media & Democracy Lab

Do you want to be part of the AI Media & Democracy Lab We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a profile in communication science.

Join Us!

The AI Media and Democracy ELSA Labs aim is to set up an experimental space and testbed for novel ways of applying AI in the media. Journalists media professionals designers citizens researchers and public and societal partners bring in their challenges in using AI in the media. The lab investigates how AI-driven applications in the media change journalism the public sphere civic engagement and economic competition. We will develop and test new AI-applications to help solve problems such as disinformation algorithmic bias and filter bubbles. Together with our partners we will also (co)-create new ethical and legal frameworks for responsible uses of AI that align with fundamental rights public values and the European regulatory framework.

What are you going to do

For this position we are looking for a postdoc to investigate how the introduction of AI is changing the relationship between media users & AI and the effects for democratic engagement. How can AI-driven applications be designed in a way to earn peoples trust and acceptance solve problems such as disinformation but also how AI-driven applications can create new user experiences e.g. through linked data virtual assistants etc

Tasks include:

• Develop conduct and publish research on media and AI and present on (inter)national conferences;
• Contribute to the public debate and organise activities as part of AIMD and related groups at the University of Amsterdam;
• Contribute to events research meetings and grant applications;
• Collaborate in team science with other researchers.

What do you have to offer

Your experience and profile:

• A PhD degree in communication science journalism or related social science field;
• A strong affinity with digital / computational science methods;
• Affinity with or interest in a lab-based team research setting;
• Experience in working together with a team of people from different disciplines;
• An excellent written and spoken command of English for instance demonstrated by publications in English-language journals;
• The ability willingness and commitment to do autonomous work in a multidisciplinary team;
• Interesting in having an active role in organizing work for the executive board workshops lecture series and similar events.

If the vacancy appeals to you but you are doubting whether you might be THE person we are looking for please do encourage all qualified applicants including minorities women people with disabilities and members of other groups underrepresented in academia to apply. We are committed to creating an environment of mutual respect inclusiveness equal opportunities with room for situated experiences diverse perspectives and ideas to flourish. This commitment applies to our research organisation room for flexibility training and community activities as well as our hiring strategy.

What do we offer you

We offer a temporary 0.8FTE contract for the period of a minimum of 2 years. Depending on the candidate and needs of the department a 0.2FTE teaching contract alongside this post-doctoral appointment can be discussed. The preferred starting date is February 1st 2026 or soon thereafter.

The gross monthly salary based on full-time employment (38 hours per week) ranges from 4.728 up to a maximum of 6.633 (salary scale 11). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 83% end-of-year bonus. The starting salary will be based on qualifications expertise and relevant experience. The profile Researcher 3 is applicable in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

• a position where own initiative and input are highly valued;
• the ability to have an active part in setting up and shaping this new research center/initiative;
• an enthusiastic and dynamic team that is open to new colleagues;
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

You will work here

The AI Media & Democracy Lab is a collaboration between the UvAs Amsterdam School of Communication Research and the Institute for Information Law CWI research groupsHuman-Centered Data AnalyticsDistributed and Interactive SystemsandIntelligent and Autonomous Systems and the HvA lectoratesResponsible ITCivic Interaction DesignCrossmedia andVisual Methodologies.

TheAI Media & Democracy Labfocuses on how AI and digital technology are transforming media and democracy. The researchers will tackle specific issues surrounding the use of AI in the media such as ways to develop more people-oriented and diverse recommender systems or the possible role of chatbots in news addition they and the various partners in the lab will think about what the media of tomorrow should look like.

For more information about the lab please find the website of the AI Media and Democracy Lab here.

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the Amsterdam Law School and/or Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile Then we look forward to receiving your application/motivation letter and resume in one .pdf by November 1st 2025.

Applications in 1 bundled .pdf should include:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a letter of motivation;
• a link to one of your research papers which is most representative of your work and relevant for this application;
• names and contact details of 3 references.

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV. You can apply via the red button until November 1st 2025. Interviews will take place in mid-November.

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information Please contact:

• Prof. dr. Claes de Vreese