Job Description

Research Centre Institute of Future Media, Democracy and Society (FuJo)
Post title Postdoctoral Researcher
Post duration 22 month Fixed Term Contract

Dublin City University

Dublin City University www.DCU.ie is a young, ambitious and vibrant University, with a mission ‘to transform lives and societies through education, research, innovation and engagement’. Known as Ireland’s ‘University of Enterprise and Transformation’, it is committed to the development of talent, and the discovery and translation of knowledge that advances society and the economy. DCU is the Sunday Times Irish University of the Year 2021.

The University is based on three academic campuses in the Glasnevin-Drumcondra region of north Dublin. It currently has more than 18,000 students enrolled across five faculties – Science and Health, DCU Business School, Computing and Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and DCU Institute of Education. DCU is committed to excellence across all its activities. This is demonstrated by its world-class research initiatives, its cutting-edge approach to teaching and learning, its focus on creating a transformative student experience, and its positive social and economic impact. This exceptional commitment on the part of its staff and students has led to DCU’s ranking among the top 2% of universities globally. It also consistently features in the world’s Top 100 Young Universities (currently in QS Top 70 Under 50, Times Higher Top 150 Under 100).

DCU is placed 84th in the world, in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings – measuring higher education institutions’ contributions towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past decade, DCU has also been the leading Irish university in the area of technology transfer, as reflected by licensing of intellectual property.

As part of this role the researcher will be required to participate in the DCU Research Career

Framework. This framework is designed to provide significant professional development opportunities to Researchers and offer the best opportunities in terms of a wider career path.

Background & Role

The DCU Institute of Future Media, Democracy and Society (FuJo) is a multidisciplinary research centre focused on the digital transformation of media, democracy, and society. FuJo investigates how to counter digital threats; enhance public participation through democratic innovations; and secure the sustainability of high-quality journalism and media.

FuJo is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on an EU-funded project connected to the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) . The researcher will undertake research on media/information literacy needs in relation to disinformation and develop media/information literacy resources in association with project partners and stakeholders. The individual will also liaise with European partners within EDMO to give insights and resources on media/information literacy

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The successful individual will report to the Principal Investigator and the duties and responsibilities of the post include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct a specified programme of research under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI)
• Assist the PI in the management and coordination of key aspects of the research programme (e.g. reporting, partner meetings, administrative work)
• Mentor, lead, assist, and supervise postgraduate research students and junior research staff as required
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders including academic and industry partners/collaborators as appropriate
• Disseminate the outcomes of the research in which he/she is engaged including publishing in high-quality peer reviewed journal articles, conference papers, reports and accessible online resources
• Assist, if required, with the development of proposals for research funding.
• Engage in appropriate training and development opportunities as required
• Contribute to reporting and other administrative work associated with the project

Applicants must have a PhD in communications or a related field and minimum of 1 year’s relevant postdoctoral research experience or equivalent.

In addition, it is desirable that the candidate has:

• Research experience in the area of disinformation
• Knowledge of the research and regulatory environment surrounding disinformation in Ireland and the EU
• Experience working with multidisciplinary and non-academic stakeholders in European projects
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Experience of grant writing

Candidates will be assessed on the following competencies:

Discipline knowledge and Research skills – Demonstrates knowledge of a research discipline and the ability to conduct a specific programme of research within that disciplin

Understanding the Research Environment – Demonstrates an awareness of the research environment (for example funding bodies) and the ability to contribute to grant applications

Communicating Research – Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research with their peers and the wider research community (for example presenting at conferences and publishing research in relevant journals) and the potential to teach and tutor students

Managing & Leadership skills - Demonstrates the potential to manage a research project including the supervision of undergraduate students