For this position, we are looking for a postdoc to investigate how the introduction of AI is changing the relationship between media, users & AI and the effects for democratic engagement. How can AI-driven applications be designed in a way to earn peoples trust and acceptance, solve problems such as disinformation, but also how AI-driven applications can create new user experiences, e.g. through linked data, virtual assistants etc?

Tasks include:

• Develop, conduct, and publish research on media and AI and present on (inter)national conferences;
• Contribute to the public debate and organise activities as part of AIMD and related groups at the University of Amsterdam;
• Contribute to events, research meetings, and grant applications;
• Collaborate in team science with other researchers.

Your experience and profile:

• A PhD degree in communication science, journalism, or related social science field;
• A strong affinity with digital / computational science methods;
• Affinity with or interest in a lab-based, team research setting;
• Experience in working together with a team of people from different disciplines;
• An excellent written and spoken command of English, for instance demonstrated by publications in English-language journals; 
• The ability, willingness, and commitment to do autonomous work in a multidisciplinary team; 
• Interesting in having an active role in organizing work for the executive board, workshops, lecture series, and similar events.

If the vacancy appeals to you, but you are doubting whether you might be THE person we are looking for, please do apply. We encourage all qualified applicants, including minorities, women, people with disabilities, and members of other groups underrepresented in academia to apply. We are committed to creating an environment of mutual respect, inclusiveness, equal opportunities with room for situated experiences, diverse perspectives, and ideas to flourish. This commitment applies to our research, organisation, room for flexibility, training, and community activities as well as our hiring strategy.

We offer a temporary 0.8FTE contract for the period of a minimum of 2 years. Depending on the candidate and needs of the department, a 0.2FTE teaching contract alongside this post-doctoral appointment can be discussed. The preferred starting date is February 1^st 2026, or soon thereafter.

The gross monthly salary based on full-time employment (38 hours per week) ranges from €4.728 up to a maximum of €6.633 (salary scale 11). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year bonus. The starting salary will be based on qualifications, expertise and relevant experience. The profile Researcher 3 is applicable in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

• a position where own initiative and input are highly valued;
• the ability to have an active part in setting up and shaping this new research center/initiative;
• an enthusiastic and dynamic team that is open to new colleagues;
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.