Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Platform Studies

The School of Communication and Culture at Aarhus University invites applications for the position of tenure-track assistant professor of platform studies based at the Department of Media and Journalism Studies.

The tenure-track assistant professorship begins with a full-time, fixed-term, five-year appointment as assistant professor with a view to permanent employment (tenure) as associate professor. For information about attaining tenure, see Tenure review and the tenure-track assistant professorship below.

The position begins on 1 January 2025or 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 position
Media platforms play an increasingly important role in the media system. They have a huge impact on how citizens, states, organisations and companies communicate, and how mediated content is produced, distributed and consumed. Understanding the societal implications of various citizens’ and actors’ usage of the platforms, along with the technological, governing, economic and sociocultural contexts, is important for developing media studies research and education in a quickly changing world. There is a strong need to integrate approaches from cultural studies, digital methods, and critical algorithm, platform and infrastructure studies to address the specific challenges that platform logics and economics present to society. The tenure-track position is expected to contribute to international strands of research at the Department of Media and Journalism Studies at Aarhus University, with a focus on, for example, the role of AI-powered algorithms, changing dynamics of collective behaviour or the development of business models, processes of datafication and regulation of platforms.

The Department of Media and Journalism Studies at Aarhus University is looking for a new colleague with research experience in the fields of platform studies, media studies, digital and computational social science methods and/or digital media infrastructures. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge about citizens’ and other actors’ usage of platforms as well as the sociocultural role of digital media and communication technologies and institutions. They should also demonstrate competences in the uses of platform analytics or digital methods in a research setting with a plan for how to transfer it to the educational context for BA and MA students in media studies. As our students increasingly come to work within the domains of platforms based on the access and processing of trace/log data, we are looking for a new colleague with a strong understanding of platform data processing and analysis and a clear interest in the wider business logics and the cultural, social and/or political implications of platform data. Applicants should have a background combining classical methods (for example quantitative content analysis and/or surveys) within sociology or social science (or other fields with statistical training), computational methods and data studies.

This position will further contribute to setting the scope and implementing the long-term strategy of the department on Media, Industries, Platforms and Providers, Critical Digital Methodology and Media, Algorithms and Power and of the School of Communication and Culture. Further, the position thematically falls into the strategic focus on “shaping digital citizenship” in 2022-25 that the Faculty of Arts has adopted. Research
The Department of Media and Journalism Studies at Aarhus University has a pronounced, diverse and recognised international profile as well as a robust research network. Applicants are expected to contribute to this profile and should indicate which centres or research programmes they can primarily contribute to.

Information about the department’s research can be found on the webpages of the different research centres and research programmes:

The successful applicant will be expected to develop research projects that result in academic publications. The successful applicant will also be expected to participate in the research community at the department in terms of collaborative research projects with internal and external partners, as well as participating in applications for external research funding. Teaching and supervision

• The successful applicant will be expected to take part in the department’s teaching and supervision activities and to teach and supervise on the department’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes. Applicants should indicate at least three courses where they can see themselves contributing to the teaching, including one BA level course (see the programme descriptions). Please indicate in your application which courses you can see yourself teaching. The successful applicant will also be expected to apply innovative teaching methods.
• The Department of Media and Journalism Studies at Aarhus University has recently revised the bachelor’s degree programmes with a strengthened emphasis on digital media – including methods. We are looking for a new colleague who can teach quantitative digital methods applied to the usage of platform data for non-STEM students in media studies. The ideal applicant can experiment with new methods in the field, for example teaching applied machine learning in an accessible manner to students. Such methods can also relate to teaching platform policy and regulation and their implications (for example GDPR, Digital Services Act, AI Act and Digital Markets Act) or teaching global media systems and the larger economic, societal and political context of platform data.
• This position is in line with our increased focus on digital transformation, data and digital methods and will bridge our BA and MA courses with a strong focus on big data analysis in the fields of media and journalism studies. The successful applicant will be expected to develop supervision capabilities at both BA and MA levels. Given the international focus of the degree programmes, the successful applicant will be expected to teach in English as well as Danish after a reasonable time of typically three years.

Knowledge exchange
It is expected that the successful applicant will engage in knowledge exchange, for instance in terms of research collaboration with private companies, government consultancy, collaboration with civil society, and the public dissemination of knowledge.
The successful applicant will have excellent opportunities to engage in collaborative initiatives with partners inside and outside Aarhus University. Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD degree or must document equivalent qualifications in a relevant field related to platform studies as well as teaching and research experience equivalent to that attained through a PhD degree. Applicants must be able to document, relevant to the position:

• an internationally oriented research profile within platform studies and/or media studies or affiliated fields such as sociology and political science, as documented by a PhD dissertation and/or relevant research publications commensurate with the length of the applicant’s academic career
• relevant teaching experience at university level, including reflections on innovative teaching methods as well as a teaching portfolio (or equivalent documentation of teaching experience and qualifications).

Furthermore, it will be considered an advantage if applicants can document:

• sufficient experience of using and/or teaching statistical methods of data analysis
• experience of participation in national and international research networks
• time spent abroad working at one or more internationally recognised research institutions.

Applicants are required to provide a research plan for the next three years, including their strategy/vision for their contribution to future developments within the field, such as plans for publication, funding applications and collaborations with external partners.
Please note that although the application process can be completed on the Aarhus University system without uploading publications or a teaching portfolio, applications that do not include uploaded publications (maximum five) as well as a teaching portfolio (or equivalent documentation of teaching experience and qualifications) will not be considered.
Although the Aarhus University application system includes an option to upload letters of recommendation, please do not include letters of recommendation or references with the application. Applicants who are invited to an interview may be asked to provide references. Tenure review and the tenure-track assistant professorship
To become tenured, the tenure-track assistant professor must be assessed as qualified as an associate professor during the last six months of the final year of employment at the latest or, if the tenure-track assistant professor requests it, at an earlier time within the first four years of employment. The assessment is based on the tenure-track assistant professor’s fulfilment of the qualification requirements that apply to associate professorships and the criteria stated in the original advertisement. If the assessment is positive, the tenure-track assistant professor will be offered a tenured position as an associate professor at Aarhus University. The tenure-track assistant professor must have contributed actively to the academic and research environment of the department.

At the time of tenure review for the position of associate professor, the tenure-track assistant professor is expected to have developed a strong research profile at a high international level and published the equivalent of at least two peer-reviewed scholarly articles per year. The tenure-track assistant professor is further expected to have contributed actively to collaborative research and research initiatives with other local, national and/or international researchers in the field. This includes having participated in attracting research funding from external funding bodies and having spent a period of research at one or more recognised research institutions.

At the time of tenure review for the position of tenured associate professor, the tenure-track assistant professor must document the ability to undertake teaching tasks independently at all levels within their own core subject area and document the breadth of their teaching competences at all levels including supervision: they must have taught three to four courses a year, depending on the nature of the specific courses; they must have engaged in supervision activities such as thesis supervision at Bachelor’s and/or Master’s level; and they must have conducted exams. The tenure-track assistant professor is also expected to have participated in curriculum development. Lastly, the tenure-track assistant professor must have completed the university’s teacher training programme for assistant professors prior to tenure review. Work environment
Active participation in the daily life of the department is a high priority, and we emphasise the importance of good working relationships, both among colleagues and with our students. To maintain and develop the department’s excellent teaching and research environment, the successful applicant is expected to be present at the department daily. At the time of tenure review for the position of associate professor, the tenure-track assistant professor is expected to have participated actively in the day-to-day life at the department.

We respect the balance between work and private life and strive to create a work environment in which that balance can be maintained. You can read more about family and work-life balance in Denmark. International applicants
International applicants are encouraged to read about the attractive working conditions and other benefits of working at Aarhus University and in Denmark, including healthcare, paid holidays and, if relevant, maternity/paternity leave, childcare and schooling. Aarhus University offers a wide variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including a relocation service and an AU Expat Partner Programme. You can also find information about the taxation aspects of international researchers’ employment by AU.
At the time of tenure review for the position of associate professor, the tenure-track assistant professor must demonstrate proficiency in Danish sufficient to handle tasks, including administrative and managerial responsibilities, in Danish. Tasks include, but are not limited to, teaching and examining students, reading work-related texts and participating in meetings and collegial gatherings in Danish. The department
The place of employment is the Department of Media and Journalism Studies, Helsingforsgade 14, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.

The Department of Media and Journalism Studies is one of nine departments within the School of Communication and Culture at the Faculty of Arts. Eight research centres focus the department’s research expertise on investigating the accelerating developments in media and journalism and addressing the ensuing questions and key issues facing society and the human condition. A core field of interest is the development and digital evolution of mass media and new digital media. The department’s seven degree programmes and supplementary subjects at BA, MA and PhD level offer a research-based education which examines the content, organisation, functioning and uses of media and journalism, taking into account current and historical perspectives within national and international contexts.

Prospective applicants are invited to view the department’s website. School of Communication and Culture
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. Contact
For further information about the position, please contact Head of Department Anne Marit Risum Waade by telephone at +45 4023 1785 or by email: [email protected].
If you need help uploading your application or have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Arts HR support by email: [email protected].

Qualification requirements
Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent academic qualifications.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners: Relocation Services for Professors and Postdocs at Aarhus University (au.dk). Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here: http://international.au.dk/research/.

Formalities

• Faculty of Arts refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities (the Appointment Order).
• Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.
• Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities .
• Further information on the application and supplementary materials may be found in Application Guidelines.
• The application must outline the applicant's motivation for applying for the position, attaching a curriculum vitae, a teaching portfolio, a complete list of published works, copies of degree certificates and examples of academic production (mandatory, but no more than five examples). Please upload this material electronically along with your application.

If nothing else is noted, applications must be submitted in English. 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

Faculty of Arts
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, 240 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, the Danish School of Education, and the Centre for Teaching Development and Digital Media. 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.
Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/

Department: Mediev. og Journalistik, Afd. f/Media and Journalism Studies, Dept. of

Deadline: 02 August 2024

Location: Aarhus N Helsingforsgade 14