Project Assistant at the Psychological Defence Research Institute

Lunds universitet; Helsingborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Sweden is seeking a motivated Project Assistant to contribute to research on disinformation and influence operations. The role focuses on collecting data, writing reports, and evaluating countermeasures. Candidates should have relevant degrees or experience and excellent analytical skills. This is a full-time, fixed-term position for one year, located in Helsingborg.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant subject or a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience.
• Experience in analytical work in disinformation or related areas.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Collecting and processing material for project reports.
• Preparing literature reviews and academic texts.
• Evaluating tools and countermeasures effectiveness.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research methods expertise

Proficiency in English

Ability to work independently

Education

Master's degree in relevant subject

Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of experience

Job description

Overview

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition. Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The Psychological Defence Research Institute is now recruiting a Project Assistant for a fixed-term position for one year.

The Workplace

The Psychological Defence Research Institute was established in 2022 at Lund University’s Department of Communication, with support from the Swedish Psychological Defence Agency (MPF). The purpose of psychological defence is to protect the open and democratic society, freedom of opinion, Sweden’s fundamental liberties, and ultimately our independence.

The Institute conducts research that enhances society’s capacity to detect and counter the effects of malign information influence operations and other false or misleading information directed at Sweden, with the purpose of shaping decision-making, perceptions, or behaviour.

Since 2024, the Institute has coordinated the EU Horizon project ADAC.io, a three-year collaboration between seven partners. The project builds on the EU’s definition of Foreign Information Manipulation & Interference (FIMI) and aims to strengthen the EU’s resilience through improved detection, analysis, and countermeasures. Contributions to initiatives such as the DISARM Framework, the NATO Hybrid COE Attribution Framework, and the EU FIMI Toolbox help develop standards, methods, and knowledge to support operational activities and decision-making in this field.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on our website under Work for us.

Duties And Responsibilities

As a Project Assistant, you will mainly work in Work Package 3 of the ADAC.io project, which explores how detection, analysis, and countermeasure capabilities can be strengthened and coordinated to impede FIMI activities. A central part of the role involves collecting and processing material as well as report writing. Expected outputs of the work package include a study of existing tools and processes, and a systematic evaluation of previously applied countermeasures and the lessons learned from their use.

Your tasks will include, among other things:

• Preparing literature reviews and other texts in support of publications such as research reports and academic articles. Using both academic and open sources/methods to gather data and analyse empirical material from sources such as authorities, media, social media, research publications, and government reports. Mapping countermeasure guidelines and identifying their strengths and weaknesses. Developing a standardised analysis process adaptable to different actors and tools. Evaluating evidence of the effectiveness of countermeasures in different situations.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

A master’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Strategic Communication, Political Science, or Security Studies), or a bachelor’s degree plus at least three years of relevant professional experience. Experience in analytical work in disinformation/influence operations or related areas. Experience in applying diverse research methods, including policy analysis and qualitative interviews.

• Flexible and self-reliant, with the ability to take on varied tasks and complete them to a high standard.
• Proven experience of conducting independent research under time constraints.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Additional qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in developing a research profile, for example through doctoral studies or work in policy-oriented organisations.
• Experience collaborating with public authorities, for instance through employment in or engagement with public administration or equivalent bodies.
• Familiarity with key concepts and frameworks in the field, such as FIMI, DISARM, and ABCDE.
• Proficiency in languages relevant to the research field, in addition to English.
• Background in areas such as defence, information security, or information influence.
• Experience in data collection and report writing.

Terms of employment

The position is a fixed-term employment for one year, full time (100%). Starting date as soon as possible by agreement.

How To Apply

Applications are submitted via Lund University’s digital recruitment system. Please include:

• a personal statement (maximum 2 pages)
• a CV, including a list of publications if applicable (maximum 3 pages)

Lund University applies individual salary setting. Please include your salary expectations in the application.

The Faculty of Social Sciences at Lund University is one of the leading education and research institutions in Sweden and operates both in Lund and Helsingborg.

The Department of Communication is an interdisciplinary, international, dynamic teaching and research environment, including journalism, strategic communication, and media and communication studies. Our education emphasises theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare students for professional careers and further academic studies. We work closely with the media industry, civil society, corporations and the public sector to enable students and researchers to contribute to and benefit from activities outside academia. Our researchers study communication and media environments at the local, national and global levels. They explore, explain, and critically analyse communication and digital media technologies in contemporary organisations, politics, society, and culture.

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