Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The Department of Informatics is looking for a postdoctoral fellow to join our operations and the ongoing research project "Indigenous Digital Storytelling with New Media". The position is for 2 years, starting immediately.
At the Department of Informatics, Umeå University, we explore how we encounter digital technology, and how these encounters shape us as people. Within the ongoing research project “Indigenous Digital Storytelling with New Media”, we are particularly interested in the encounter between digital technology and indigenous peoples. Here we explore how new media and new digital technology, including how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) encounter the Sami as indigenous peoples, and how technology can support storytelling as a deeply rooted historical part of their culture. The project aims to study established culture, as well as explore new technology, including GenAI for storytelling. There is also interest in VR/XR technology to explore, broaden and deepen our knowledge of how storytelling can be supported with new innovative technology. The project is funded by Interreg EU and is run in close collaboration with our Nordic neighboring countries and the Sami population, with the ambition to contribute to the international research front in this area.
As a postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Informatics, you will work on research and publication at the highest academic level – in journals as well as at leading international conferences. You will work in close collaboration with colleagues both at the Department of Informatics and at the University of Lapland, Finland. Your research is expected to be of the highest quality and lead to increased knowledge about digital storytelling. We would like you to make a scientific contribution with a focus on GenAI and storytelling, or alternatively methods for working with digital technology and indigenous peoples.
Eligiblity To be eligible, the applicant must have a doctoral degree in informatics or equivalent. This qualification requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made. The applicant must also have documented research experience in the field of informatics/information systems/HCI – human-computer interaction. Since employment as a postdoctoral fellow is a merit-based position for junior researchers, we primarily target those who have a doctoral degree that is no older than three years from the application deadline. If there are special reasons according as stated in the employment regulations, those who have completed their doctoral degree earlier may be considered. Other qualifications The position requires good skills in English, spoken and in writing. Documented experience of research in the social sciences and experience of advanced qualitative and/or quantitative methods are important. Assessment will be made on the basis of the candidate's ability to contribute with research and publication within the scope of the position, good collaboration skills and ability to contribute to the overall research project that is the basis for this position. Other qualifications are experience of interdisciplinary collaborations, publications in well-regarded international journals and publications at international conferences, as well as a high degree of independence and initiative.
About the position The position is full-time for a limited period of 2 years, starting as soon as possible in early 2026. The position is located at the Department of Informatics, Umeå University. The employee is expected to perform parts of their work at the department and participate in the departments other activities.
Application The application must be made via the e-recruitment system Varbi. The application must contain: • Personal letter with a brief description of your qualifications, your scientific interests and your motivation for applying for the position (max. two pages) • CV/resume • A critical reflection on your own research (max. 1000 words) • Max. 3 scientific publications • Certified copies of grades and diplomas (if you complete your doctoral degree after the application deadline, upload information about the planned examination and expected examination date). • Research plan (max. 2500 words including references) describing the research you plan to conduct within the scope of the position • Contact details for 2 references from whom letters of recommendation can be requested • Any other qualifications you wish to claim
The position is filled subject to the necessary decisions being made.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
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