Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Akureyri
The University of Akureyri invites applications for a full-time position as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor in Media Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences.
We are seeking an applicant with a strong academic background and an active research profile who is interested in contributing to the development of Media Studies at a time of rapid change in the media environment. Particular emphasis is placed on expertise related to digital media, social media, artificial intelligence, or comparable transformations in contemporary media systems.
The successful candidate will play a leading role in shaping the future direction of the Media Studies program and in contributing to teaching and research in the field. Applications must include a vision statement of up to three pages outlining the future development of the program, either under its current name or a revised one.
The successful candidate is expected to take up the position on 1 January 2027, or by agreement. The appointment is for a fixed term of five years. After this period, the appointee may apply for a permanent position in accordance with Regulation No. 726/2023 on the permanent appointment of academic staff at the University of Akureyri. Promotion to Associate Professor or Professor may be considered at the time of appointment if the applicant meets the required qualifications as assessed by the evaluation committee.
About the Media Studies Program
The Media Studies program at the University of Akureyri focuses on understanding the changing role of media in society, including journalism, digital communication, communication studies, and media culture.
The program is currently being redeveloped in response to changes in contemporary media, including the growing influence of digital communication and artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will therefore have the opportunity to take a leading role in developing the program's curriculum, and research priorities.
Teaching at the University of Akureyri is characterized by flexible teaching methods that combine on-campus and distance learning.
Main Responsibilities
The successful candidate will, among other things:
- conduct independent research in the field of media and communication
- teach courses in Media Studies at the undergraduate and possibly postgraduate level
- take a leading role in developing and shaping the future direction of the Media Studies program
- take a leading role in curriculum development and academic administration
- take a leading role in the selection and supervision of doctoral students in Media Studies
- participate in applications for research funding and collaborative projects
- contribute to a strong academic community within the program and the Faculty
The position offers an ambitious scholar the opportunity to shape a growing academic field within the University, develop innovative teaching, and strengthen research in Media Studies.
The place of work is Akureyri.
The immediate supervisor is the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Qualification Requirements
Applicants must have:
- a PhD in Media Studies, Journalism, Communication Studies, or a related field
- publications in peer-reviewed outlets
- experience of teaching at university level or in a comparable professional training environment
- demonstrated ability to communicate specialist knowledge clearly and effectively in teaching
- good spoken and written English
The following will be considered an advantage:
- experience with digital media, social media, or new media technologies
- a broad professional network
- experience in a leadership role in the development and shaping of university-level study programs, or a comparable professional training environment
- knowledge of Icelandic
Applicants must have good communication and collaboration skills.
Further Information
Salary is in accordance with the collective agreement between the Association of University Teachers and the Minister of Finance.
The processing of applications, assessment of qualifications, and appointment to the position shall be in accordance with the Higher Education Institution Act No. 63/2006, the Act on Public Higher Education Institutions No. 85/2008, the Regulations for the University of Akureyri No. 694/2022, and regulations on the recruitment of academic staff at the University of Akureyri No. 724/2023. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The University of Akureyri reserves the right to reject all applications. All applicants will be informed of the outcome once a decision on the appointment has been made.
The University of Akureyri is an equal-opportunity workplace and encourages people of all genders to apply.
Application deadline: July 31, 2026
Further Information
Further information is available from:
Markus Meckl, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences
[email protected]
