Institute of Media and Journalism at USI Università della Svizzera italiana (Lugano, Switzerland)

100%, starting date 1 March 2026

The research group focusing on young people, the media and fan cultures led by Dr. Eleonora Benecchi at the Institute of Media and Journalism at USI Università della Svizzera italiana is seeking to fill a doctoral position. The position is primarily linked to the SNSF-funded research project «Swiss Fan Worlds and Social Exclusion». This project explores how children and young people engaged in fan worlds perceive and experience online risks, develop social and emotional capacities, and implement coping strategies in digital spaces.

The Institute for Media and Globalization (IMeG) provides an international, interdisciplinary, and intellectually stimulating environment that embraces diverse perspectives and methodologies while fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support. Within the Institute, scholars and professionals from a wide range of backgrounds work together to generate knowledge with meaningful societal impact. IMeG also offers outstanding opportunities for both national and international networking. 

Job description: 

• Conduct high-quality research in the field of media and digital culture
  
• Complete a dissertation in three to four years
  
• Excellent oral and written English skills
  
• Excellent oral and written German is an advantage
  
• Attend academic conferences and publish in academic journals in the field
  
• Handle organizational and administrative tasks
  
• Collaborate in existing projects and develop new projects with members of the research team related to media and fan cultures
  
• Cover the role of a teaching assistant for courses at Bachelor and Master levels   
  

Application deadline: 15 December 2025

For more information see: link