UIO Researcher in Generative AI, Disinformation and Democracy

A temporary Researcher position (SKO 1109) affiliated with the research project NxtGenFake is available at the Department of Media and Communication (IMK), University of Oslo (UiO). The position is available for a period of two years and the expected start date is October/November 2026.

About the NxtGenFake project

The NxtGenFake project, funded by the Norwegian Research Council, examines how generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models, affects the production, dissemination, and understanding of digital content that may challenge democratic values and public trust.

The project investigates how large language models shape political narratives and strategic communication in digital environments. The project focuses on so-called disinformation narratives, meaning narratives of a misleading or inaccurate nature. Large language models enable the production of synthetic content at scale, potentially flooding information ecosystems with text that is difficult to distinguish from human-generated material. At the same time, large language models are increasingly being used for information retrieval, which may amplify the spread of biased or inaccurate representations.

A particular focus of the project is how such models—trained on large datasets including social media—may reproduce disinformation narratives from actors such as Russia and China, and influence public opinion in democratic societies, including Norway. The project analyzes how these disinformation narratives emerge, spread, and affect public discourse.

We are seeking a motivated and skilled researcher to contribute to the NxtGenFake project, with experience in handling and analyzing large datasets, and a willingness to collaborate interdisciplinarily with other project participants on studies and publications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct empirical and theoretical research on generative AI, disinformation, and political communication in line with the objectives of the NxtGenFake project
• Analyze disinformation narratives in AI-generated content and social media 
• Handle and analyze large datasets 
• Contribute to scientific publications and dissemination of research results
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team at IMK, Department of Literature, Area Studies and European Languages, and with other national and international partners 

Applicants are required to attach a research proposal (hf.uio.no) stating research questions and theoretical and methodological approaches as well as a feasible progress plan.

Qualifications

Mandatory requirements

• PhD in media studies, communication, linguistics, political science, or a related field 
• Experience with research on generative AI, digital media, and/or disinformation
• Experience with analysis of large datasets 
• Skills in qualitative, quantitative, and/or digital methods
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position

Desired qualifications

• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams
• Good Norwegian language skills

In assessing the research proposal (hf.uio.no), special emphasis will be placed on scientific merit, innovation, and relevance to the NxtGenFake project. The candidate’s project will be independent, but will still strengthen the NxtGenFake project and contribute towards obtaining the overall project objectives. In assessing the applications, emphasis will also be placed on the candidates’ estimated personal and academic ability to complete the project within the time frame, their collaboration skills and ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities. 

Employment is conditional on the candidate being assessed as personally suitable from a security perspective. In this connection, identity checks will also be carried out, as well as verification of documentation and background for relevant candidates.

We need different perspectives in our work 

UiO is an open and internationally oriented comprehensive university that strives to be an inclusive and diverse workplace and academic environment. You can read more about UiO’s work on equality, inclusion, and diversity at uio.no.

We fulfill our mission most effectively when we draw upon our variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here.

We offer

• Salary in position in salary range NOK from 595 000 – to 700 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.
• Exciting and meaningful tasks in an organization with an important societal mission.
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (spk.no), which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
• Attractive welfare benefits (uio.no)

Application

Your application must include:

• Application letter describing your qualifications and motivation for the position
• Curriculum Vitae with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities
• Project proposal, including a detailed progress plan for the project (3 - 5 pages, maximum 14.000 characters. See Template for project proposal (hf.uio.no)
• List of publications
• Copies of diplomas and educational certificates (PhD / MA / BA)
• A list of 2–3 references (name, relationship, email, and phone number)

Do not submit other certificates, articles, and the like unless specifically requested. If further documentation is wanted for assessment, you will be asked to submit it later. 

Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click "Apply for the position".

General information

The best qualified candidates will invited for interviews.

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we cannot, you will hear from us.

Please refer to Rules for the use of research posts SKO 1108, 1109, 1110 and 1183 at UiO.

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.

University of Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 26 500 students and 7 200 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.

The Department of Media and Communication's (IMK) main purpose is to conduct research, education and dissemination on media and communication, and the role of media in society.

IMK has approximately 45 employees, of which among half are permanent scientific staff and 15 are temporary staff. There are around 500 active students on different levels. The Department offers a one-year study program on the Bachelor's level and a Bachelor's degree in Media and Communication, in addition to Master's degrees in Media and Communication, Political Communication and Screen Cultures. IMK is a multidisciplinary department, based on the academic traditions of the humanities and social sciences.

Questions about the position

Silje Susanne Alvestad
PI and Researcher
+47 22 85 52 20
s.s.alvestad@ilos.uio.no

Petter Bae Brandtzæg
Professor
+47 92 80 65 46
p.b.brandtzag@media.uio.no