InstitutionFaculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, Journalism and Communication Studies, Digital Journalism

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.06.2026, fixed until 31.05.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline15.02.2026

Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

The DFG-funded project "Isomorphism through AI? Exploring Journalistic AI via Industry Awards” investigates how artificial intelligence is implemented in journalism and how institutional pressures shape the convergence or divergence of AI use cases across news organizations. Taking global journalism AI awards as field-configuring events, the project combines longitudinal quantitative content analysis, qualitative interviews, and surveys to study institutional logics, isomorphic pressures, and innovation diversity in journalistic AI. The position offers an excellent opportunity for postdoctoral researchers seeking to develop an independent research profile at the intersection of journalism studies, organizational theory, and AI-related media research.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

Required Qualifications

• completed PhD in Communication Studies, Journalism Studies or a related discipline
• solid knowledge of organizational and/or institutional theory (e.g. organizational sociology, institutional theory, field and innovation theories)
• solid training in empirical social science methods
• experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• proven or emerging track record of international peer-reviewed academic publications
• excellent command of English (written and spoken)

Desirable

• experience with AI-, data-, or technology-related research in journalism
• familiarity with mixed-methods or longitudinal research designs
• interest in journalism, media innovation, and democratic implications of technology
• experience working in collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments
• command of German (written and spoken)

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Additional benefits:

• a key role in a DFG research project advancing journalism research
• excellent conditions for academic publishing and career development
• intellectual freedom to develop theory-driven, independent research
• integration into an internationally connected research group in journalism and communication studies
• a supportive and inclusive academic environment at a University of Excellence
• family-friendly working conditions and flexible working arrangements

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle "Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.