Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor in the field of Media Studies

We are seeking an Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor in the field of Media Studies. The appointed position will be based in the Communication Sciences Unit at The Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University.

Media Studies examines broadly the relationships between media and society. Within the Unit of Communication Sciences, Media Studies is situated at the intersection of the humanities and social sciences, with roots in critical cultural and societal research.

The key areas of research and teaching in Media Studies at Tampere University include digital media culture, critical data studies, media production studies, material media studies, and the study of media experiences, performance and representation. These areas engage with questions related to the construction of media publicity, participatory cultural practices, and the role of media in the contexts of global mobilities and social conflicts. Research also explores media infrastructures and the related affective practices, the materiality of data, and the environmental consequences of digital systems at planetary scales.

The Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences offers a unique multidisciplinary environment. Research groups working on areas such as media, journalism, communication, information systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual and augmented reality, multimodal genres (digital culture, games, visual journalism, audio description etc.) create a vibrant community for interdisciplinary collaboration. We welcome applicants who offer novel approaches to cultural analysis utilizing the unique opportunities of this multidisciplinary environment.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished scholar who will actively and innovatively contribute to research and teaching in the area of Media Studies. Applicants are expected to demonstrate expertise in Media Studies appropriate to their career stage, in both research and teaching. Their publication record should include significant research in the field of Media Studies.

Potential areas of research may include, but are not limited to, digital media culture, material media studies, media production studies and digital labour; datafication, algorithms and artificial intelligence in media environments, critical theory approaches to media, media and society, media ecosystems and digital sustainability, emotions and affect in media, audience studies, media, crises and conflicts; gender, racialization, and equality in media.

We value broad methodological expertise in the study of contemporary and emerging media environments. Proficiency in Finnish, or the motivation to acquire Finnish language skills, will be considered an advantage in carrying out the duties of the position.

Media Studies Research is closely linked with the Research Centre for Communication Sciences (Taru), which delves deep into societal and cultural dynamics, dissecting their evolution and patterns through lenses of communication, media, and art. With pioneering media, information and communication related theories, methodologies, and practices, Taru enriches our comprehension of these phenomena. Rooted in the humanities and social sciences, Taru's research embodies a rigorous, interdisciplinary exploration of human communication. Its focal points include phenomena related to information, gaming, media, journalism, communication, visuality, and the performing arts.

You are also expected to lead, conduct and develop research-led teaching, curriculum development and student supervision in Media Studies, acquire research funding and demonstrate effective academic leadership engaging with society.

As a Professor of Media Studies, you will also be invited to participate in research and teaching in the joint profile areas of the Unit of Communication Sciences and research communities of Taru Research Centre for Communication Sciences and in the Degree Programme of Media Studies. The Degree programme of Media Studies specialization collaborates closely with Game Studies, particularly at the bachelor's level. Media Studies is responsible for the Finnish-language master's programme Media, Culture and Society. Doctoral education is provided within the interdisciplinary doctoral programme in Media, Communication and Performing Arts.

A description of Media Studies at Tampere University is available on the university website:

Media Studies Research GroupMedia Ecologies Research Group

Requirements

Assistant Professor

We require

• applicable doctoral degree
• ability to undertake independent scholarly activity and potential to pursue scholarly activity at a high international level of excellence
• teaching skills required to successfully perform the duties and functions of the position

Associate Professor

We require

• applicable doctoral degree
• track record of independent scholarly activity
• teaching skills required to successfully perform the duties and functions of the position
• ability to lead a research group and acquire external funding
• track record of international scholarly activity

Professor

We require

• applicable doctoral degree
• high-level international scholarly expertise
• experience in leading research
• ability to provide high-quality research-based teaching and instruction
• track record of winning external research funding
• track record of international scholarly activity

We value strong collaboration and interpersonal skills. When appointing an Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor, consideration will be given to university pedagogical studies as well as other pedagogical teaching merits and teaching experience.

We are looking for a candidate whose research aligns with the focus areas and strategy of the Unit of Communication Sciences and who can work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Tampere University follows national and international agreements and recommendations of responsible researcher assessment. In researcher assessment, it should be noted that research activities generate many kinds of outcomes, such as research data, research method descriptions, and publications (scientific articles, conference presentations, monographs, dissertations, and other communication).

Tampere University is committed to the principles of responsible research assessment and to evaluating research in accordance with the DORA Declaration and the CoARA Agreement. Applicants' merits will be assessed holistically in relation to the requirements of the position.

Researchers work in responsible positions in science such as teachers and supervisors, peer reviewers, pre-examiners, and editors in scientific journals. They have roles in scientific societies and conferences, and they act as academic leaders in their organisations. Many also have other societal roles in which they have impact on science and society. Merits in research-based teaching, supervision and development of teaching are taken into account in the candidate assessment. Emphasis is placed on qualitative peer review.

Tampere University is a unique, boldly future-oriented and evolving community, and one of Finland's most multidisciplinary universities. Our core values are openness, critical thinking, diversity, learner-centeredness, courage, academic excellence, and responsibility. We therefore expect you to be committed to these values and contribute to promoting and upholding them in your own role.

We offer

The initial appointment as assistant or associate professor will be for five years. Subject to successful performance, you will become a tenured faculty member at the end of the first five-year period. You will be well supported throughout the five-year period to ease your transition to a tenured position. Full professors will hold a permanent appointment from the outset. Read more about the tenure track career system at Tampere University. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees.

Salaries are based on the job demands and employees' personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. The typical starting salary range is €4600-5300/month for an assistant professor, €5300-6200/month for an associate professor and €6300-7300/month for a full professor. However, salary is agreed based on the successful candidate's experience and/or performance on an individual basis.

We offer you the opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative international community. As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as a flexible work schedule, good facilities for teleworking, occupational healthcare services, a variety of affordable food and drink outlets across our campuses and a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Follow this link for more information about working at Tampere University.

Located between two big lakes, Tampere is Finland's third largest city and the biggest inland city in the Nordic countries. Nature is close everywhere you turn your head in Tampere. Coupled with a strong industrial tradition. this makes Tampere a unique environment for living and working. At present, the region hosts a great deal of industry and service businesses, and the city of Tampere is a major hub for the Finnish ICT industry. Work In Tampere, Welcome to Tampere, International House Tampere.

Finland has one of the most advanced and comprehensive social security systems in the world. It includes, for example, sickness benefits, various family benefits and comprehensive healthcare. For more information on Finland, please check InfoFinland and This is Finland.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system (link below). The closing date for applications is November 5th at 23:59 EET / UTC +2. Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format. Applications should include the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae according to TENK guidelines
• List of publications according to the Academy of Finland guidelines
  • Please indicate your ten most important publications and a link to those
  • You may also save the publications in a cloud file and provide a link to it
• Teaching portfolio (according to the Tampere University guidelines)
• A cover letter in which you set out the reasons why you are applying for the post and why you are particularly suited to it (max. 1-2 pages)
• A research plan (max. 5 pages)
• The names, positions and contact details of two referees who can support your application
• Doctoral diploma in the original language. If the original language is other than Finnish, Swedish or English, please provide an official translation in one of those languages

Applicants are required to indicate the tenure track level for which they wish to be considered in the application form.

For more information, please contact:

Marko Ala-Fossi, Head of Unit (Communication Sciences), marko.ala-fossi@tuni.fi

For questions regarding the application process, please contact HR Specialist Ninni Järvinen, ninni.jarvinen@tuni.fi