Stellenangebot: PhD position in project “Valuing, Being, Knowing in Research Practices” (Vienna)

How are the ways in which researchers are evaluated – and what they value in their work – entangled with who they aim to be as researchers, and with the directions they choose in their research? This is the central questions of the project “Valuing, Being, Knowing.” (01/2019-06/2023) the position (75%, STS, University of Vienna) is part of

Following a participatory research approach, we will accompany two life science research groups (most likely research groups following questions of environmental relevance and food security) and trace the situated entanglements of what researchers aim to know, what they value in their research and who they aim to be as researchers.

The position offers the opportunity to work in an experienced team that has a strong orientation to contributing to the international scientific debate. Further, it is an opportunity of writing a PhD thesis with full integration in the Department of Science and Technology Studies at the University of Vienna that offers a rich environment for mutual exchange with international colleagues.

The project is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). Project leaders are Maximilian Fochler und Lisa Sigl. Further information on the project: https://rri.univie.ac.at/forschung/forschungsprojekte/valuing-being-and-knowing-in-research-practices/

Start & duration of the position: The earliest start of the position is March 2019. In case the position can be filled until the beginning of March, the duration of the position is 40 months (a later start can reduce the total duration of the position).

Remuneration: Salary is according to the FWF personnel costs scheme for doctoral candidates (30 hours/week): https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/research-funding/personnel-costs/

Job Description:

  • conduct research within the thematic scope of the research project
  • develop a specific focus for writing a PhD thesis (and finalise thesis within project duration)
  • public presentation (“fakultätsöffentliche Präsentation”) of PhD project within the first 12 months
  • participate in fieldwork in one of the empirical sites (one of the life science groups)
  • publish internationally, both individually and collectively
  • contribute to organising scientific events related to the project
  • participate in the administrative processes of the project

Profile:

  • Completed study within a social science field (Diploma-, Master-, or Magister-Degree) or in another research field & proof of meaningful qualification in Science and Technology Studies (STS)
  • Ability to plan and conduct research on the level of a PhD
  • Good knowledge of science and technology studies, regarding theoretical and methodological approaches (qualitative methods)
  • High ability and readiness build up and maintain cooperative relationships with life scientists over min. 2 years
  • Excellent or very good proficiency in English

Additional qualifications: ability to work in a team, organising ability, reliability, high work motivation

Applications should be in English and be submitted to lisa.sigl@univie.ac.at until 13 January.

Application documents:

  • Letter of Motivation
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Two selected papers or parts of larger publications (e.g. master thesis) as “proof of writing skills”
  • 2 References who are able to give further information about the academic qualification of the applicant
  • Academic records

For further information, please contact Maximilian Fochler (+43-1-4277-49613, maximilian.fochler@univie.ac.at) or Lisa Sigl (+43-1-4277-26101, lisa.sigl@univie.ac.at).