Computational Political Communication Postdoc position(s) at The Digital Democracy Centre

University of Southern Denmark - SDU; Odense; On-site; DKK 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

The Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense invites applications for one or more full-time Postdoc positions on the AI-Pol Language project. The role focuses on changes in political language due to AI and sociopolitical shifts, with emphasis on multilingual NLP and large language models.

Appointments can start February 1, 2027 or later and will last up to two years. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team and work on computational

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent required for appointment.
• Experience with computational methods to answer social science questions.
• Strong interest in large language models and digital discourse.
• Experience with text-as-data or NLP is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to all stages of the research process from conception to publication.
• Analyze natural and AI-generated language using quantitative methods.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary project team at the DDC.
• Translate technical details for non-computational audiences and the public.

Skills

Computational social science

Machine learning

Data science

Multilingual NLP

Social media analytics

Network science

Longitudinal modeling

English writing

Coding in Python/R

Education

PhD degree

Tools

Python

R

Job description

The Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) at the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, invites applications for one or more full-time Postdoc positions.

The AI-Pol Language project explores changes in political language due to technical advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and sociopolitical developments, particularly increased polarization. It explores the role of large language models in shaping and being shaped by political discourse, and the implications of this dynamic on political discourse in digital spaces.

Employment can be from February 1, 2027 or later and will have a duration of up to 2 years. The place of employment will be in Odense.

Research profiles and tasks

We are looking for a candidate with a background in computational social sciences, machine learning or data science, including (but not limited to) computer science, communication, journalism, political science, linguistics, information studies, digital humanities, sociology or psychology. An ideal candidate would have a strong interest in large language models and their use in digital communication. The Postdoc(s) will be embedded in an interdisciplinary project team and collaborate closely with other scholars at the Centre.

Candidates must have a research profile grounded in the use of computational methods to answer social science questions. Research within this project will primarily involve using quantitative and computational techniques to study both natural and AI-generated language, with the possibility of conducting surveys or experiments in the future.

Expertise in non-English multi-lingual natural language processing, social media/big data analytics, network science, or longitudinal modeling are strongly encouraged to apply.

Expectations and key responsibilities

The Postdoc(s) will be involved in all aspects of the research, from conception, execution, analysis, publishing, and public dissemination. A strong background in computational and machine learning techniques is necessary, and experience with text-as-data or natural language processing would be ideal.

Candidates are expected to be willing and able to contribute to the DDC by producing original research of high international quality, engaging in information exchange with both academic and non-academic actors (e.g., journalists, the public, and policy makers), contributing to grant acquisition efforts, and translating technical details across different disciplines.

Candidates are expected to:

• Be capable of working independently and on a team through the research process, including with regards to data collection, data analysis, writing scientific articles, and knowledge dissemination.
• Be able to translate methodological specifics to non-computational researchers
• Contribute both academically and socially to the research environment at the DDC
• Code proficiently in R or Python.
• Be able to communicate project results in English both in writing in academic contexts and to the broader public (Danish and/or German would be an advantage but not required)
• Present research results at international conferences in social science or computational disciplines
• Possibly contribute to teaching programs (in consultation with relevant departments)
• Work and be present at the Centre in Odense

Inquiries about the project and the positions can be addressed to Prof. Josephine Lukito ([e-mail]).

About the DDC

The DDC is a part of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences. It is an interdisciplinary Centre with members from computer science, law, media studies, political science, business, and organizations. The DDC believes in fostering a stimulating and inspiring environment for both faculty members and students. The DDC’s ambition is to recruit, develop, and retain talented scholars committed to both research, education, and impact. Furthermore, the DDC wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

You can find further information about the DDC HERE.

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment. International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Among other things, the staff answers questions concerning salary, taxation, housing and accompanying family. Additional information about working in Denmark can be found at Work in Denmark.

Application and assessment process

Appointment to the position requires a PhD degree or equivalent and will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the Danish state with the associated circular on the protocol on job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for the position of postdocs as described herein.

An application must include:

• A cover letter stating your specific interest and qualifications for the project in question (max two pages). It is strongly encouraged that you include a github link or proof of coding proficiency.
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information and date entries
• Copies of certificates and diplomas (BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees)
• The names and complete contact details (including phone numbers and email addresses) of at least two references
• A complete list of publications indicating which publications are most relevant for the position
• The 3 most relevant publications or unpublished chapters of the PhD thesis. NOTE: If publications have been co-authored, co-author statements must be included and contain information like in this example. The statement is just for your inspiration
• A teaching portfolio as documentation for teaching experience, and, if relevant, supervision qualifications. Formal application instructions and guide for teaching portfolio may be found HERE.

All non-Danish documents must be translated into English.

Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

Applications that are incomplete may be rejected without any substantive evaluation.

Assessment of applications will be done under the existing Appointment Order for universities. Applications will be assessed by an academic assessment committee that determines whether applicants are qualified to be a postdoctoral fellow. The committee may request additional information, and if so, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary material. The committee reserves the right to arrive at a decision solely based on the material submitted.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. As part of the assessment, a short coding test may be held.

When the assessment committee has submitted its report, the applicants will receive the part of the evaluation that concerns them. The assessment report will subsequently be forwarded to the Head of Department who will assemble an appointment committee. The appointment committee will manage and complete a series of job interviews with especially promising applicants. On the basis of the applications, the written assessments, the job interviews, and a deliberation within the appointment committee, the head of department determines which candidate(s) will be offered the position.

Salary and employment terms

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements.

As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process.

SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary.