Doctoral student in Media and Communication Studies Karlstad University in Sweden

Karlstad University invites applications for a doctoral studentship in Media and Communication Studies, located within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the Department of Geography, Media and Communication. The university is situated in Värmland, Sweden, and offers a vibrant academic environment characterized by curiosity, courage, and openness, with a strong commitment to gender equality, diversity, and democratic values. The department encompasses Media and Communication Studies, Human Geography, Geography, and Tourism Studies, and provides both undergraduate and master's programmes.

As a doctoral student, you will join a dynamic research community, collaborating with two prominent research environments: the Centre for Geomedia Studies and NODE (The Ander Centre for Research on News and Opinion in the Digital Era). Geomedia is an interdisciplinary centre focusing on the interplay between media, spatiality, and mobility, examining both contemporary and historical transformations in technology, society, and culture. NODE specializes in journalism, public opinion, and media, with particular emphasis on news reporting and the influence of digitalisation and social media platforms in political communication. Both centres are internationally recognized, regularly publishing in leading journals and securing external research funding.

The doctoral project is not tied to a specific research project but must address the broad theme: 'The social consequences of digitalisation.' You are encouraged to explore the opportunities, challenges, and tensions associated with our connected, digital everyday life, including counter-reactions to digitalisation. The position offers significant freedom in designing your thesis, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with both Geomedia and NODE.

The doctoral programme comprises 240 credits for a Degree of Doctor and 120 credits for a Degree of Licentiate. The appointment is a paid position, combining studies and work, and is ideal for those seeking an academic career. Doctoral students are expected to work independently, contribute to departmental activities, and may undertake teaching or administrative duties (up to 20% of full-time). The position is fixed-term, initially for one year, with possible extensions up to five years full-time if additional duties are included. Salary is set at the standard level for doctoral students and progresses according to a local collective agreement.

Entry requirements include a second-cycle qualification (master's degree or equivalent), at least 240 credits (with 60 at the second-cycle level), and at least 90 credits in Media and Communication Studies at various levels, or equivalent knowledge. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to benefit from the programme. Assessment criteria focus on previous study results, quality of independent scholarly work (especially at the master's level), originality and alignment of the proposed thesis project with the research theme, proficiency in English, any published research papers, and willingness to be an active member of the research environment. A good command of Swedish is considered a valuable qualification.

To apply, submit your application via the University's web-based recruitment tool, Varbi, by 13 August 2026. Required documents include a cover letter, CV, degree certificates, transcript, master's thesis, publications, research plan (1,500–2,000 words), letters of recommendation, and two references. Name each uploaded document clearly. If documents cannot be submitted electronically, send them to the HR department at Karlstad University. Applicants with foreign qualifications should provide degree certificates and official transcripts, along with a contact for the degree-awarding institution. State the reference number REK 2026/141 in your application.

Karlstad University is committed to fair and transparent recruitment and professional development for researchers, as evidenced by its HR Excellence in Research award from the European Commission. For more information about the university and the research environments, visit the provided links.