PhD student in Media and Communication Studies – Risk Communication

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

The Department of Communication is an interdisciplinary, international and dynamic environment for education and research in media and communication studies, strategic communication and journalism. Our programmes are highly ranked internationally (ranked 46th according to Times Higher Education). We combine theoretical depth with practical skills to prepare students for both professional careers and further academic studies. Research and teaching are conducted at our campuses in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö.

The recently established research environment “Radiation Safety and Society: Building Sweden’s Interdisciplinary Capacity for Future Nuclear Energy”
(https://www.particle-nuclear.lu.se/radiation-safety-and-society-building-swedens-interdisciplinary-capacity-nuclear-futures) – covering various aspects of existing and new nuclear power – brings together researchers from four faculties at Lund University (Science, Medicine, Engineering, Social Sciences), as well as expertise in linguistics and discourse analysis from Karlstad University.

The research environment constitutes an interdisciplinary knowledge and practice community focusing on radiation safety and nuclear energy within fields such as physics, ergonomics and aerosol technology, medical radiation physics, strategic communication and Swedish language studies.

We are now recruiting three doctoral students within three areas related to safety and societal aspects of nuclear power:

Environmental impacts of existing and new nuclear power Safety aspects for workers, and authorities’ and industry’s understanding of current and proposed future foundations for radiation protection Communication for inclusion and understanding of radiation and nuclear risks.

The three doctoral students will collaborate during specific phases of their education, promoting interdisciplinary exchange.

Duties

The main duty is to pursue your own doctoral education, where writing articles for the doctoral thesis constitutes the largest part of the work. Doctoral courses, as well as participation in seminars and conferences, are also included.

The doctoral project will focus on communication related to nuclear energy, and in particular the radiation and nuclear risks it entails. Communication primarily concerns engagement with the general public, especially in Swedish regions and municipalities with no previous experience of nuclear facilities. Nuclear energy includes both traditional nuclear power plants and small modular reactors (SMRs), as well as aspects related to the entire fuel cycle, from fuel production to waste management.

The project aims both to study and to develop communication strategies that can contribute to transparency and inclusion. You are expected to conduct parts of your doctoral work in collaboration with other doctoral students within the research environment.

Departmental duties of up to 20% of full-time employment may occur, in which case the employment will be extended accordingly, up to a maximum of five years with 20% departmental duties. The doctoral student will be provided with a workplace at the Department of Communication in Lund and is expected to be present at the department and actively participate in the interdisciplinary research environment of the project.

The position is a fixed-term employment for four years. Provisions regarding employment as a doctoral student are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1998:80). As a doctoral student, you will be part of an interdisciplinary and international research environment.

Eligibility

General eligibility for third-cycle studies requires that the applicant has:

• been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) degree, or completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.
• In addition to general eligibility, the applicant must have completed at least 30 higher education credits at second-cycle level within the main field of Media and Communication Studies, or have acquired equivalent knowledge (for example within strategic communication) in Sweden or abroad.
• The applicant must also have completed an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits at second-cycle level.
• Proficiency in English sufficient to assimilate research literature, complete doctoral courses and actively participate in seminars is required.

Assessment criteria

Provisions for employment as a doctoral student are laid down in the Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1998:80). Only those admitted to third-cycle studies may be appointed as doctoral students. In the selection process, particular emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s ability to successfully complete the doctoral programme and to contribute to the project’s focus and objectives.

Assessment will take into account the ability to work independently and in a structured manner, as well as the ability to contribute to good collaboration and a positive research environment within the project and at the department. The quality of the submitted degree project, grades from previous studies, research proposal and personal suitability will be assessed.

Excellent written and spoken English is required. An interest in interdisciplinary work is a prerequisite for the project.

Additional qualifications (meritorious)

• Documented ability to independently, and in collaboration with others, conduct research projects
• Good knowledge of Swedish
• Good understanding of the Swedish context, which is required for data collection and analysis
• Experience relevant to the project’s focus on nuclear energy and communication

A limited number of applicants will be invited for interviews.

Application

The application must include:

• A CV including certified copies of degree certificates, academic transcripts and other relevant documentation
• A copy of the Master’s thesis and, where applicable, other scientific publications (e.g. journal articles)
• A cover letter describing the applicant’s background, interest in the subject and project, and intentions regarding doctoral studies (maximum two pages)
• A research proposal presenting an idea for the doctoral thesis (maximum five pages excluding references)
• Contact details for two referees

Terms of employment

The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Welcome with your 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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