Christoph Lutz

BI Norwegian Business School is recruiting a 4-year Postdoctoral Research Fellow for the DISTINCT: Digital Status and Its Social and Technological Construction project, funded by the Research Council of Norway (FRIPRO) and led by Professor Christoph Lutz at the Department of Communication and Culture and the Nordic Centre for Internet and Society . The project examines how digital status markers such as likes, ratings, endorsements, followers, and algorithmic signals shape opportunities and inequality in digital society. It combines conceptual, qualitative, quantitative, and computational approaches, including research on digital platforms and generative AI. The successful candidate will play a central role in the qualitative components of the project, especially interviews, focus groups, and analysis of how emerging digital occupations are socially valued. Research interests and keywords: digital status, digital platforms, social inequality, communication studies, media studies, sociology, qualitative research, generative AI, and computational analysis. Eligibility highlights: applicants must hold a completed PhD in communication, sociology, media studies, management, or a related social science field, with an approved thesis and public defense. Strong qualitative research skills are required, and experience with interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis, or discourse analysis is highly desirable. Excellent English is required; Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is an advantage. Funding and benefits: the position is full-time for four years and includes BI's pension scheme, research support, a supportive professional environment, a generous data collection and travel budget, conference participation, and funding for research stays. BI also offers Norwegian language courses for international employees. Application window: deadline is 10 August 2026 . Applications must be submitted electronically via the BI vacancy portal, with a cover letter, CV and publication list, PhD certificate, one representative scientific work, other relevant documentation, and contact details for 2-3 references.