Polarization and Trust in Italian News Outlets: An International Comparison

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a Post-Doctoral Researcher to work on the Provenance project: Providing Verification Assistance for New Content. The project aims to develop and test a prototype tool to support journalists and fact-checkers in verifying online content, particularly in the context of elections and disinformation. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Jane Suiter and will be based at the DCU Institute of Future Media, Democracy and Society (FuJo) in Dublin City University.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on digital verification, fact-checking, and disinformation, with a focus on election-related content.
• Contribute to the design and development of the Provenance prototype tool, including user needs analysis and testing with journalists and fact-checkers.
• Lead the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, including interviews, focus groups, and surveys with media professionals.
• Write and contribute to academic publications, reports, and policy briefs arising from the research.
• Assist in the organisation of workshops, stakeholder meetings, and dissemination events.
• Engage with project partners and stakeholders, including media organisations, fact-checking initiatives, and platform representatives.
• Contribute to the wider research activities of the FuJo Institute and the EDMO Ireland hub.

Requirements

• A PhD in Communication Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Journalism Studies, or a closely related discipline.
• A strong research record in one or more of the following areas: digital media, disinformation, fact-checking, journalism practice, political communication, or media trust.
• Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups) and/or quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, content analysis).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write for both academic and non-academic audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.

Qualifications

• PhD completed or near completion (to be awarded within 6 months of appointment).
• Experience working with journalists, media organisations, or fact-checking initiatives is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the media and political landscape in Ireland and/or Europe is an advantage.
• Experience with public engagement and science communication is desirable.

Skills

• Proficiency in qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo) and/or statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R).
• Ability to translate complex research findings for policy and practice audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Pay

€44,000 - €50,000 per annum (depending on experience).

Schedule

Full-time, fixed-term contract for 24 months, with a start date of January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Benefits

• Access to DCU's research support and development programmes.
• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration with project partners across Europe.
• Mentoring and career development support within the FuJo Institute.
• Membership of the Irish Universities Association (IUA) pension scheme.