MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 – Transformation of Journalism and Media

Call for Expression of Interest for a joint application development under the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action 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 2025 (Call: HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF-01-01)

Area of research for the project proposal

This call invites proposals exploring the transformation of journalism, emphasizing interdisciplinary and cooperative innovations in journalistic production and dissemination. As democracy faces mounting challenges in a precarious global context, and with a growing number of journalists losing their lives in the line of duty or being jailed, harassed or silenced in other ways, this initiative seeks candidates committed to investigating alternative collaborations and co-productions between journalism and interdisciplinary partners, with a particular focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Successful applicants will collaborate with the department’s newly established research group, Transform, while also having opportunities to contribute to other research groups within the department and OsloMet at large, including the research group on Product Design and Cultural Sustainability, led by Professor Arild Berg, which focuses on transmedia storytelling and multimodality. The Transform research group engages in cutting-edge research addressing journalism and media engagement and operates across disciplines such as art, communication, drama, media production, product development, social anthropology, human geography, and other humanities fields.

We are seeking applicants eager to investigate the dynamic interplay between journalism and new technologies like AI, alongside exploring interdisciplinary and co-production methodologies in journalism and media education.

Fellowship scope

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

• Journalism and Media and co-production: Exploring collaborations with new actors, focusing on AI and emerging digital technologies, particularly during times of crisis or war.
• AI-driven transformation of journalism and media in relation to interdisciplinary actors with a focus on new impact.
• Bias and transparency: Investigating issues of bias and transparency within the context of AI and journalism and media in an interdisciplinary context.
• Innovative research methodologies: Applying approaches such as ethnographic studies, social anthropology, or action research to AI-driven changes in journalism and media production.

These topics are indicative rather than exhaustive, welcoming diverse approaches that align with the overarching themes of the call.

This is an exceptional opportunity to engage with a vibrant academic environment while contributing to transformative research at the nexus of journalism, technology, and society.

Supervision and support 

Successful candidates will be supervised by Professor Maria Konow-Lund. The supervisor will provide guidance and support in developing the MSCA project together with the research support staff. 

For insights into AI and the interdisciplinary aspects of the transformation of journalism and media, the candidate will be co-supervised by AI experts Professor Michael Riegler or Associate Professor Hårek Haugerud as secondary supervisors.

Starting date of the fellowship

Evaluation results for the MSCA-PF-2025 applications are communicated by the EU Commission in February 2026. Successful applicants can start the fellowship earliest in April 2026, given that they can move to Norway at that time, and no later than winter 2026. 

Expected qualification of applicants 

Eligibility requirements:

• The applicant should have a PhD degree in Journalism, Media Communication, Social Sciences, Humanities or related fields by the end of June 2025.  PhDs with interdisciplinary focuses are encouraged to apply. 
• The applicant must have a maximum of eight years of research experience, from the date of the award of their PhD degree. Experience outside research and career breaks will not count towards the above maximum, nor will experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate to Europe.
• 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 immediately before the call deadline, 10 September 2025
• Must be able to relocate to Norway. Teleworking will not be permitted.

We are looking for applicants who have

• a solid understanding of journalism and communication in relation to transdisciplinary, transformative research practices, community engagement etc.
• It is beneficial with understanding and a particular interest in AI concepts, technologies, and their applications within the domain
• strong methodological skills
• an excellent track record in research and publications 
• commitment to develop a competitive MSCA-PF grant application an open and cooperation-oriented nature, with strong abilities for independent academic work 
• excellent command / highly proficient 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 project idea for the MSCA-PF grant application 
   

These documents will serve as the basis for selecting up to two candidates with whom we will collaborate to develop competitive MSCA-PF proposals. The cooperation for proposal development will be conducted remotely, with regular communication via email and virtual meetings. Successful EU-funded applicants must relocate to work at 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 invited to develop the full MSCA-PF application with OsloMet’s support. 

Candidates will be informed of the results no later than 20.04.2025.

Original qualification documents must be presented if invited for an interview. All documents, including your proposal idea, will be handled in full confidentiality and in strict compliance with GDPR regulations.

Selected candidates must participate in the virtual masterclass on MSCA-PF, a two-day workshop organised by OsloMet on 28-29 April 2025 to provide applicants with detailed information and explanation of the application template to complete their proposal in compliance with the EU Commission requirements.

Employment at OsloMet

Successful applicants who obtain a MSCA-PF grant will be offered a position at OsloMet to be hired as researchers to implement their proposed research project.

We offer:

OsloMet assists in developing competitive MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship proposals. 

To applicants who are awarded the MSCA-PF grant, we offer:

• Work Environment: Inclusive, friendly, and flexible working conditions.
• Networking: Access to a unique academic network to pursue academic goals.
• Language Classes: Norwegian language instruction.
• Relocation Assistance: Onboarding support for relocation and related services. 
   

Remuneration:

• Type of employment: Temporary position
• Contract type: Full time
• Gross Annual Salary: Approx. EUR 70,000 (including obligatory income tax and employer's national insurance contributions)
• Starting day of employment (expected): Flexible between April 2026 and September 2027
• Working hours: 37.5 hours/week

OsloMet has implemented the Charter for researchers and been granted the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) by the EU Commission and is part of the EU network for mobility of Researchers EURAXESS. OsloMet International Staff Services will assist you during your relocation to Norway and practical information about this can be found at our website Work for Us and EURAXESS Norway. 

Contact 

Maria Konow-Lund, Professor, e-mail: mklu@oslomet.no  

Hanna Karv, Head of research support, e-mail: hanna.karv@oslomet.no