Project assistant at the Psychological Defence Research Institute at the Psychological Defence Research Institute

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition. Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.The Psychological Defence Research Institute is now recruiting a research assistant for a fixed-term position of 6 months.About The WorkplaceThe Psychological Defence Research Institute was established in 2022 at Lund University’s Department of Communication, with support from the Swedish Psychological Defence Agency (MPF). The purpose of psychological defence is to protect the open and democratic society, freedom of opinion, Sweden’s fundamental liberties, and ultimately our independence.The Institute conducts research that enhances society’s capacity to detect and counter the effects of malign information influence operations and other false or misleading information directed at Sweden, with the purpose of shaping decision-making, perceptions, or behaviour.We offerLund University is a public authority which means that employees get specific benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on our website under Work for us.Duties And ResponsibilitiesAs a research assistant, you will take part in various research projects within the field of psychological defence. Our projects require prior knowledge of relevant academic fields, policy issues and applied research methods such as open-source collection and analysis. Knowledge of national, EU, and NATO structures is desirable.Your tasks will include, among other things:Preparing literature reviews and other texts in support of publications such as research reports and academic articles.Using both academic and open sources/methods to gather data and analyse empirical material from sources such as authorities, media, social media, research publications, and government reports.QualificationsRequired qualifications:A master’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Strategic Communication, Political Science, or Security Studies), or a bachelor’s degree plus at least three years of relevant professional experience.Experience in analytical work in disinformation/influence operations or related areas.Experience in applying diverse research methods, including policy analysis and qualitative interviews.Flexible and self-reliant, with the ability to take on varied tasks and complete them to a high standard. Proven experience of conducting independent research under time constraints. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written.Additional qualifications:Demonstrated interest in developing a research profile, for example through doctoral studies or work in policy-oriented organisations. Experience collaborating with public authorities, for instance through employment in or engagement with public administration or equivalent bodies. Proficiency in languages relevant to the research field, in addition to English. Background in areas such as defence, information security or information influence. Experience in data collection and report writing.Terms of employmentThe position is a fixed-term employment for 6 months, full time (100 %). Starting date as soon as possible by agreement.How To ApplyApplications are submitted via Lund University’s digital recruitment system. Please include:a personal statement (maximum 2 pages) a CV, including a list of publications if applicable (maximum 3 pages)Lund University applies individual salary setting. Please include your salary expectations in the application.The Faculty of Social Sciences at Lund University is one of the leading education and research institutions in Sweden and operates both in Lund and Helsingborg.The Department of Communication is an interdisciplinary, international, dynamic teaching and research environment, including journalism, strategic communication, and media and communication studies. Our education emphasises theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare students for professional careers and further academic studies. We work closely with the media industry, civil society, corporations and the public sector to enable students and researchers to contribute to and benefit from activities outside academia. Our researchers study communication and media environments at the local, national and global levels. They explore, explain, and critically analyse communication and digital media technologies in contemporary organisations, politics, society, and culture.We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.Anställningsform: särskild visstidsanställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100% | Ort: Lund | Län: Skåne län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: PA2025/2880 | Kontakt: Natalie Nyman , Natalie Nyman, HR-partner , James Pamment , James Pamment , Björn Palmertz , Björn Palmertz , Martina Smedberg , Martina Smedberg , | Facklig företrädare: OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli 046-2229362, OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli 046-2229362, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet kansli@saco-s.lu.se, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet kansli@saco-s.lu.se, SEKO: Seko Civil 046-2229366, SEKO: Seko Civil 046-2229366, | Publicerat: 2025-10-13 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2025-10-31