MSCA - Post Doctoral Fellowship RECRUITMENT 2026 - Transformation of Journalism and Media - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Call for Expression of Interest for a joint application development under the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions European Postdoctoral Fellowship

OsloMet invites interested researchers of any nationality, fulfilling the eligibility requirements for the fellowship, to express their interest in developing an application for a two-year project at OsloMet, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
(Call: HORIZON-MSCA-2026-PF-01-01).

Oslo Metropolitan University – Externally funded research project

OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University is Norway’s third largest university, with nearly 23,000 students and more than 2,500 employees from over 60 nationalities. OsloMet offers a dynamic and stimulating research-intensive academic environment and an attractive employment framework. As a diverse and urban university with an international profile, its main campus is in the city centre, offering a vibrant setting for study, research, and work.

Department of Journalism and Media Studies

The Department of Journalism and Media Studies is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences and educates professionals in journalism, photojournalism, and media and communication through three bachelor’s programmes and one master’s programme. The programmes are closely integrated with the department’s internationally oriented research activities, which include high-impact research on a wide range of topics within national, European, and global journalism—such as fake news, media, war and conflict, cross-disciplinary methodologies, and media innovation.

Area of research for the project proposal

This call invites proposals examining the transformation of journalism, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and cooperative innovations in journalistic production and dissemination. As global democratic challenges deepen and increasing numbers of journalists are killed, jailed, harassed, or silenced, this initiative seeks candidates committed to exploring alternative collaborations and co-productions between journalism and interdisciplinary partners, particularly through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Successful applicants will collaborate with the department’s research group Transform and will also have opportunities to contribute to other research groups at the department and at OsloMet more broadly. 

Transform conducts cutting-edge research on journalism, media engagement, and interdisciplinary practice, operating across disciplines such as art, communication, drama, media production, product development, social anthropology, human geography, and other humanities fields.

We seek applicants eager to investigate the evolving interplay between journalism and technologies like AI and OSINT, alongside exploring interdisciplinary and co-production methodologies in journalism and media education. We are particularly interested in focuses on the role of technology when it comes to safety of journalists across borders.

Fellowship scope

The project will address critical challenges at the intersection of AI, journalism, particular investigative journalism and interdisciplinary research, including but not limited to:

• Journalism and co-production: Exploring collaborations with new actors, with a focus on AI, OSINT and emerging technologies, particularly during crises or war.
  • AI-driven transformation of investigative journalism: Investigating innovation, impact, and interdisciplinary engagement.
  • Bias and transparency: Examining issues surrounding AI and OSINT Open-Source Intelligence, bias, and transparency in journalism through interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Innovative research methodologies: Applying ethnography, social anthropology, action research, or similar approaches to AI-driven changes in journalistic production.

These topics are indicative, not exhaustive; diverse approaches aligning with the overall themes of the call are welcome.

This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to transformative research at the intersection of journalism, technology, and society within a vibrant academic environment.

Supervision and support

Successful candidates will be supervised by Professor Maria Konow-Lund, a former Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow. She will provide guidance and support in developing the MSCA project together with OsloMet’s research support team.

Starting date of the fellowship

Evaluation results for the MSCA-PF-2026 applications are communicated by the EU Commission in February 2027. Successful applicants may start the fellowship as early as April 2027, provided they can relocate to Norway at that time, and no later than winter 2027.

Expected qualification of applicants

Eligibility requirements:

• The applicant must hold a PhD in Journalism, Media Communication, Social Sciences, Humanities, or related fields by the end of June 2026.
  • The applicant must have a maximum of eight years of research experience from the date of PhD award. Career breaks, non-research experience, and certain reintegration conditions may exempt time from counting.
  • The applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the call deadline (expected September 2026).
  • Must be able to relocate to Norway; teleworking is not permitted.

We are looking for applicants who have:

• A strong understanding of journalism and communication related to transdisciplinary and transformative research practices
  • Interest in AI concepts, technologies, and applications
  • Strong methodological skills
  • An excellent research track record and publications
  • Commitment to developing a competitive MSCA-PF application
  • An open and cooperative nature, with strong abilities for independent academic work
  • Excellent spoken and written English

Application process

We invite experienced, curiosity-driven researchers to submit:

• CV (including research track record and list of publications)
• One-page project description outlining the MSCA-PF project idea
• Confirmation that the PhD has been approved

These documents will serve as the basis for selecting up to two candidates with whom we will jointly develop competitive MSCA-PF proposals. Collaboration will occur remotely, through email and virtual meetings.

Successful EU-funded applicants must relocate to the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at OsloMet’s main campus in Oslo.

Assessment and selection of candidates

Applications will be evaluated based on qualifications and project ideas.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview. Up to two candidates will be selected to develop the full MSCA-PF application with OsloMet’s support.

Candidates will be informed of the results no later than 20 April 2026.

Original qualification documents must be presented if invited for interview. All documents will be handled confidentially and in strict compliance with GDPR.

Selected candidates must participate in the virtual MSCA-PF masterclass, a two-day workshop organised by OsloMet on 28–29 April 2026, offering guidance on completing the application in line with EU Commission requirements.

Employment at OsloMet

Successful applicants awarded the MSCA-PF grant will be hired at OsloMet as researchers to implement their proposed project.

We offer:

OsloMet provides support for developing competitive MSCA-PF proposals.

For applicants awarded the MSCA-PF grant, we offer:
• Inclusive, flexible, and friendly work environment
• Access to a unique academic network
• Norwegian language classes
• Relocation assistance and onboarding support

Remuneration:

• Type of employment: Temporary position
  • Contract type: Full-time
  • Gross Annual Salary: Approx. EUR 70,000 (including tax and national insurance contributions)
  • Employment start date: Flexible between April 2027 and September 2028
  • Working hours: 37.5 hours/week

OsloMet has implemented the Charter for Researchers and has been granted the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) designation. OsloMet International Staff Services will assist you during relocation; further information is available at “Work for Us” and EURAXESS Norway.

For further information, you can contact:

Maria Konow-Lund, Professor, Dr. PhD — mklu@oslomet.no

Hanna Karv, Head of Research Support — hanna.karv@oslomet.no

Last day of application

Call closes on 27 of March