Doctoral Candidate / Scientific Researcher in Communication Science – Friedrich Schiller University Jena – Germany

Summary

The Institute of Communication Science at Friedrich Schiller University Jena seeks a doctoral candidate and scientific researcher for a DFG-funded project on strategic narratives in transnational influence campaigns. The fixed‑term, 36‑month position is part‑time (75%) with a competitive TV‑L salary. Responsibilities include multilingual content analysis, study design, data collection, conference presentations, and publishing in English‑language journals while pursuing a PhD. Required qualifications are a master’s degree in communication science or related field, strong statistics knowledge, R programming, and excellent English. The role offers mentorship, international collaboration, conference support, flexible working hours, and access to university research facilities. Applications close on 31 October 2026.

Key Facts

About the Project

The DFG‑funded project investigates how foreign actors adapt strategic narratives across various information environments, how domestic actors amplify these narratives, audience responses, and the broader socio‑political implications of transnational influence campaigns. It combines multilingual content analysis, AI‑supported methods, and cross‑country comparative studies to generate insights into contemporary influence operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct multilingual and cross‑platform content analysis using manual and AI‑supported methods
• Design and implement research studies on strategic narratives across multiple countries
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data from diverse sources and platforms
• Present study results at national and international conferences
• Publish research findings in English‑language peer‑reviewed journals
• Pursue doctoral studies within the research project framework
• Collaborate closely with the international project team
• Contribute to the advancement of communication science through empirical research
• Participate in project meetings and collaborative activities
• Support development of research methodologies and analytical approaches

Required Skills

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Communication Science or related field
• Very good knowledge of statistics
• Proficiency in the programming language R
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Knowledge and practical experience in standardized content analysis
• Strong research methodology foundation
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Commitment to rigorous academic research

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding a master’s degree (or equivalent) in Communication Science or a related discipline, with solid statistical knowledge, proficiency in R, and excellent written and spoken English. Applicants should be able to work independently and in a team, have experience with standardized content analysis, and be motivated to conduct rigorous empirical research within an international project.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on TV‑L (Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States)
• Opportunity to work in an internationally connected project team
• Full support for participation in international conferences and mobility
• Individual mentorship and diverse opportunities for further professional training
• Access to the Graduate Academy for doctoral candidates
• Flexible working hours with flexitime and teleworking options
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two additional days off on 24 December and 31 December
• Structured doctoral support and supervision
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities and resources

About the Employer

Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic, innovation‑driven university in Jena, Germany, with around 17,000 students and 10,000 staff. The university emphasizes scientific excellence through its profile areas Light – Life – Liberty and positions itself as an internationally connected city of science and innovation.