Postdoctoral Researcher in OSINT & Information Disorder

About the job

Do you want to join the European Union-funded project Social Media for Democracy (SoMe4Dem) focusing on the role of social media in democracy? Then this position is for you!

Join our team!

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the European Union-funded project Social Media for Democracy (SoMe4Dem) focusing on the role of social media in democracy. The research will address information disorder-the rising tide of disinformation, misinformation, and conspiracy theories-using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques. The ideal candidate will combine quali-quantitative methods to explore how epistemological challenges shape information disorders in digital ecosystems, with a particular focus on theory-building within media theory.

The postdoc will be expected to contribute to the development of conceptual frameworks and empirical models to understand how disinformation spreads, the role of media ecosystems, and the sociotechnical dynamics that underpin information disorder. Research will center on pistemological questions around trust, truth, and credibility in the digital age.

This is what you will be doing

• Design and conduct research under the guidance of the project leader, using OSINT to analyze the spread of disinformation on social media platform.
• Publish in peer-reviewed academic journals and present findings at international conferences.
• Employ quali-quantitative methods (e.g., data analysis, discourse analysis, network studies) to examine the dynamics of information disorder.
• Contribute to theory-building by integrating insights from media theory to better understand the epistemological complexities of "truth" in digital spaces.
• Engage in collaborative discussions with project partners across the EU to refine theoretical frameworks and practical solutions for mitigating information disorder.
  
  

This is what we ask of you

• PhD in Media Studies or related fields or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in OSINT, especially within social media contexts.
• Strong background in quali-quantitative research methods.
• Familiarity with media theory, particularly as applied to information technologies.
• Knowledge of information disorder (disinformation, misinformation, conspiracy theories) and the epistemological challenges of discerning truth online.
• Proven track record of academic publishing and communication.
  
  

This is what we offer you

• A unique opportunity to shape theory and practice in understanding the digital challenges to democracy;
• Excellent possibilities for further professional development and education;
• An inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam.
  
  

Your application & contactThe position is for up to 12 months, with a preferred starting date of 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position ends on 1 March 2026. We encourage applications from candidates with a strong interdisciplinary approach to research. Please send your application before 26 February 2025.If you have any questions about the position or the department, please contact during office hours:

• Prof. dr. Richard Rogers
• [email protected]

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