Uppsala University, Department of Information Technology

The Department of Information Technology (www.it.uu.se) conducts education and research in Computer Science and Information Technology. We cover a wide range of issues, from construction of computer systems, via programming of computers, storage and handling of data, to information retrieval and methods for applying computers in a variety of contexts. The activities are grouped into five themes: Computer Systems, Computing Science, Scientific Computing, Systems & Control and Visual Information & Interaction. Each of these themes is in itself a major subject area, where we both conduct basic research and have projects with links to applications in for example Engineering, Biology, Medicine, Economy and Psychology. The broad scientific foundation is reflected in a large number of collaborations across academic disciplines as well as with industry and the public sector. 

You can find more information about us at the web page of the department of Information Technology.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Duties / project description
The student will join the Uppsala University Information Laboratory (https://uuinfolab.github.io). This project studies the role of images in the spread and anchoring of political ideas, and ultimately how visual politics contributes to persuasion and shaping the political agenda. Visual politics is increasingly prominent in digital public spaces, where image-based (dis)information spreads effectively. We know that images are a powerful form of political communication, that visual communication is perceived as convincing and affects people's perceptions of a variety of issues. At the same time, we still know surprisingly little about the actors who use images to promote political ideas, what mechanisms are at play, and even less what impact these activities have on public discourse. Your role in the project will be to develop and apply social data science research methods and methodologies that are suitable for analysing large-scale and complex visual spreading phenomena.

The position is for five years, including 20% teaching/institutional duties. Doctoral education also includes participation in courses related to the research subject. 

Requirements
The candidate must have an MSc degree (or equivalent) in data science, computer science, image analysis, engineering, or related areas relevant to the PhD topics, or be close to completion. Good programming skills are required. Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are required. 

Additional qualifications
Experience with social data analysis is meriting. Interest in social science is meriting. Experience in image analysis is meriting.

How to apply
The application should include academic transcripts, MSc thesis (or other academic reports) and links to online code written by the candidate (if any). 

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr. Matteo Magnani, matteo.magnani@it.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 25 November 2022, UFV-PA 2022/3961.

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Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment As agreed
Salary Fixed salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Uppsala
County Uppsala län
Country Sweden
Reference number UFV-PA 2022/4087
Union representative
  • ST/TCO, tco@fackorg.uu.se
  • Seko Universitetsklubben, seko@uadm.uu.se
  • Saco-rådet, saco@uadm.uu.se
Published 04.Nov.2022
Last application date 25.Nov.2022 11:59 PM CET

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