PhD Positions: AI in the News Ecosystem – Navigating Trust and Authenticity (AINATA) at the Digital Democracy Centre

The Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) at the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, is offering one or more full-time PhD positions as part of the interdisciplinary research project 'AI in the News Ecosystem: Navigating Trust and Authenticity' (AINATA). This project investigates the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on trust and authenticity within the news ecosystem, examining both news production and consumption, and evaluating the adequacy of current legal frameworks in response to these changes. PhD candidates will join an interdisciplinary team at the DDC, collaborating with scholars from communication, journalism, political science, sociology, law, economics, and computational social science. The project offers four distinct research profiles: (1) Communication Science/Political Science/Economics, focusing on platform experiments and transparency measures; (2) Communication Science/Media Effects/Sociology, emphasizing surveys and audience research on AI in news; (3) Communication Science/Computational Social Science/Sociology, involving social network analysis and influencer interviews; and (4) Law/Digital Media Regulation, analyzing EU regulatory frameworks and accountability in news and influencer contexts. PhD students will be involved in all stages of research, including conception, execution, analysis, publication, and public dissemination. Responsibilities include producing original research of high international quality, engaging with societal actors such as news media and policymakers, contributing to grant acquisition and impact activities, and fostering a collaborative research environment at the DDC. Candidates should be able to work independently and in teams, communicate research results in English (Danish is an advantage but not required), present at international conferences, and potentially contribute to teaching programs. The DDC is part of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences and is committed to diversity and inclusion. Foreign applicants will receive Danish language training, and the International Staff Office provides support for new employees regarding salary, taxation, housing, and family matters. The PhD appointment is for three years, with employment starting from June 2026 or later by agreement. Salary and benefits are provided according to Danish university standards. Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree (120 ECTS at MSc level or equivalent) and submit a comprehensive application in English, including a project description, CV, diplomas, transcripts, completed PhD application form, and contact details for two references. All non-Danish documents must be translated into English. The application deadline is February 15th, 2026. For inquiries, contact the Centre Director, Prof. Claes Holger de Vreese at [email protected]. For further details and to apply, visit the official application link. The DDC welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.