Doctoral Student in Media and Communication Studies

The Department of Communication is an interdisciplinary, international, and dynamic environment for education and research in media and communication studies, strategic communication, and journalism, with particular emphasis on digital communication technologies. The department is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences, which is highly ranked internationally (46th place according to Times Higher Education). We combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare students for professional careers as well as further academic studies.

The department has close collaborations with the media and communication industry, civil society, and public authorities. Our researchers study communication and media environments at all levels and analyze communication practices in organizations, politics, society, and culture. Research and teaching are conducted in Lund, Malmö, and Helsingborg.

About the position 

The main responsibility is to pursue your doctoral studies, which include both independent research and coursework within the doctoral programme. In addition to doctoral studies, participation in teaching and other departmental duties (up to a maximum of 20%) may be included. The position is limited to four years (up to a maximum of five years with departmental duties corresponding to 20%). Regulations concerning doctoral student employment can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1998:80).

As a doctoral student, you will become part of a creative and international research environment with seminars, workshops, and conferences, as well as opportunities to participate in pioneering interdisciplinary projects.

More information about the doctoral programme is available on the department’s website:
(https://www.iko.lu.se/en/research/doctoral-studies).

Eligibility

General eligibility for third-cycle (doctoral) education is granted to applicants who have completed a second-cycle degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 credits are at the second-cycle level, or who have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.
In addition to meeting the general entry requirements for doctoral studies, the applicant must have at least 30 higher education credits at the second-cycle level in the main field of media and communication studies, or have acquired equivalent knowledge (for example in strategic communication), in Sweden or abroad.

The applicant must also have completed independent scholarly work amounting to at least 15 higher education credits at the second-cycle level.

Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in English to be able to comprehend research literature, complete doctoral-level coursework, and participate actively in seminar activities.

Assessment Criteria

Regulations governing employment as a doctoral student can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1998:80). Only those who have been admitted to third‑cycle (doctoral) education may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. In the selection process, primary consideration will be given to the applicant’s ability to benefit from doctoral studies. Particular weight will be placed on the applicant’s master’s thesis (or equivalent degree project) and the proposed doctoral dissertation idea.

The assessment will also consider the applicant’s ability to work independently and in a well‑structured manner, as well as their ability to contribute to good collaboration and a positive research environment within the department.

The Application Must Include

1.    A CV including certified copies of degree certificates, academic transcripts, and other relevant documentation.
2.    A copy of the master’s thesis and, where applicable, the applicant’s other scholarly publications (for example, articles in academic journals).
3.    A personal statement describing the applicant’s background, interest in the field, and motivation for pursuing doctoral studies.
4.    A dissertation proposal outlining the applicant’s proposed doctoral project (maximum five pages). If AI has been used in preparing the application, please specify how it was used.
5.    Contact details for two referees.

Recruitment Timeline

The application deadline is 31 March. Interviews will be conducted online, and the decision on the appointment will be announced in June. The position begins on 30 August 2026.

Terms and Conditions

The position is a fixed-term employment of four years, in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 7 of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and views gender equality and diversity as a strength.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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