Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship
Start date: Flexible between May 15 and September 1, 2023
Duration: 12 months, with possibly of renewal
Salary: $45,000- $65,000, plus benefits (based on experience and scope of the pos.
Reports to: Dr. Elizabeth Dubois, University Research Chair in Politics, Communication and Technology (in collaboration with Dr. Florian Martin-Bariteau, University of Ottawa and Dr. Heidi Tworek, University of British Columbia).
Fellowship Description
The Global Journalism Innovation Lab is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Fellow to pursue an innovative research program focused on the policy impacts of explanatory journalism by academics.
The successful candidate will be supervised throughout the postdoctoral fellowship by leading politics, policy, communication and technology scholars from the University of Ottawa and the University of British Columbia.
Applicants are encouraged to propose creative ideas for a postdoctoral fellowship, emphasizing how they plan to contribute to new knowledge within the domain of explanatory journalism written by academics.
It is expected that this work will result in a series of joint research outputs by the end of the Fellowship. Specifically the Fellow will lead 1-2 academic journal articles and at least one knowledge mobilization output targeted to public policy audiences. Initial data collection of policy documents and academic explanatory journalism (for example pieces published in The Conversation Canada and Policy Options) have already occurred for the Elections Modernization Act and federal privacy policy. In addition to support from the supervising professors, a graduate research assistant will work with the Fellow to complete these tasks. The Fellow will be an active member of a vibrant research team and will gain experience with mentorship, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
The successful candidate will be registered as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Ottawa and will enjoy all associated privileges. This individual will have a strong background in communication studies or related field and, preferably, a strong track record in writing and publishing policy-relevant articles and reports.
About the Project
The Research Fellow will join the research team of the Global Journalism Innovation Lab, a strategic $2.5 Million Partnership funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Led by Dr. Alfred Hermida and Dr. Mary Lynn Young at the University of British Columbia School of Journalism, and with hubs across Canada and internationally, the Global Journalism Innovation Lab focuses on explanatory journalism that seeks to provide evidence-based information and perspectives to inform public dialogue and policy action. It investigates how experimental digital journalism forms can impact civic engagement and policy uptake in partnership with The Conversation Canada, and the network of affiliates in Australia, France, the U.K. and the U.S.
As part of the international research effort, Dr. Elizabeth Dubois, Dr. Florian Martin-Bariteau, and Dr. Heidi Tworek investigate how explanatory journalism informs public dialogue and policy action, against a backdrop of declining commercial news media and concerns about disinformation. This is part of a larger project led by Dr. Alfred Hermida and Dr. Mary Lynn Young at the University of British Columbia, in collaboration with The Conversation Canada, and the network of affiliates in Australia, France, the UK, and the US.
The successful candidate will also join the dynamic research community of the Pol Comm Tech Lab at the University of Ottawa, an academic research group focused on exploring the intersections of politics, communication, and technology. They will also be affiliated with the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions at UBC.
Position Requirements
- Doctoral degree in communication, journalism, political science, law or related field
- Evidence of research experience and academic publications, preferably in communication, journalism, law, or policy
- Training in/experience with content or discourse analysis
- Advanced English (comprehension, written, and oral)
- Excellent writing skills
- Independent worker
Additionally, the following skills will be considered as assets:
- Bilingualism (English and French)
- Experience with knowledge mobilization (translation and exchange)
Place of work and COVID-19: We are currently working in a hybrid model, but are resuming in person activities. We understand each person’s circumstances are unique and will work with the selected candidate to explore the best working conditions for them.
How to apply
Apply on our application portal
The application package should include:
- A cover letter (maximum two pages) which includes:
- An explanation of how you meet our selection criteria;
- A description of your research interests and how they align with this project;
- Indication of your preferred start date;
- A complete curriculum vitae,
- A list of three references and their contact information. No letter is required at this stage. We will inform you before contacting any references.
- A writing sample of published or unpublished work where the applicant is the sole or primary author. Examples include a journal article or dissertation chapter.
Please direct your questions to elizabeth.dubois@uottawa.ca.
The selection committee will start to review applications on April 17, 2023. Applications will be considered until a successful candidate is found.
Applications should indicate a proposed start date. We will expect the selected candidate to join the project as soon as possible and by September 1, 2023 at the latest.
We thank all applicants for their interest. While we are committed to ensuring the best possible experience for all applicants, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted. Please be advised that, due to changes in our funding, management, or organizational needs, we reserve the right to pause or stop a job competition at any stage in the process. Applicants will be notified in a timely manner.
The University of Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Ottawa Centre for Law, Technology and Society is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities, as well as members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
The cover letter should confirm the immigration status of the candidate. Please note that a hired candidate who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada will need to be able to travel to Canada to obtain their work permit and social insurance number.
In keeping with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the University of Ottawa will provide accommodations upon request during the recruitment, selection and assessment process for candidates with a disability.