1 PhD Position in STS on AI & Society at the Technical University of Munich
Deadline: Jan 7, 2022
The Professorship of Science & Technology Policy (Prof. Dr. Ruth Müller), based at the Department for Science, Technology & Society at the Technical University of Munich, announces one open position for a doctoral researcher in Science & Technology Studies (STS) (TV-L E13, 65%, 3 years). For more information, please see the description below. The position is to start on April 1st, 2022.
About us
The research group “Science & Technology Policy” (STP) explores the interactions between science, technology, society and policy, focusing on both emerging and transforming knowledge cultures in academic science and their social, political and ethical implications. Research in the group foregrounds questions of social justice and equity in all their work. The group is based at the Department of Science, Technology & Society at the newly founded TUM School of Social Sciences & Technology. The department is home to about 60 researchers in STS and two international MA programs (MA Science & Technology Studies and MA Responsibility in Science, Engineering and Technology), as well as a hub for international guest researchers in STS.
About the research project
We are seeking a doctoral researcher to join our team for the project “Responsible Innovation Communication in AI Research” funded by the TUM-IAS. This project is conducted in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Maja Horst (DTU Copenhagen), who is a guest professor at the group from 2021-2023. The project takes an STS perspective to communication and explores what it might mean to consider communication as a key element of responsible research and innovation. We will focus specifically on the role scientists play in generating and responding to public narratives about AI. We will conduct interviews and host workshops with researchers and other relevant stakeholders to discuss and elaborate how communication with and in the public sphere shapes research agendas and what communicating responsibly about and within AI research might mean. For further information click here.
Your tasks as a doctoral researcher
As a doctoral researcher, you will work as part of a project team. Your tasks will include empirical research and data analysis, preparation of results for publication, presentation of results at (international) academic meetings, contributions to the teaching portfolio of the group and support for organizing project-related academic events. You will develop an innovative research question for your PhD thesis as part of the project and in collaboration with the project leaders, Prof. Ruth Müller and Prof. Maja Horst. You will regularly meet with your supervisors to discuss and support the progress of your thesis. Beyond the project, you will be part of the Science & Technology Policy research group and at the lively research community at the STS department more generally. You will actively participate in the academic life of the group and the department, which both regularly host international guest researchers and academic events. As a PhD student at TU Munich, you will be enrolled in the TUM Graduate School, which provides a structured PhD program and offers a rich program of courses in academic and transferable skills.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in the social sciences or the humanities. Experience with qualitative social science research methods is required, familiarity with STS concepts desirable. You should be interested in working across the disciplines and in engaging with other knowledge cultures. You should further be capable of and interested in working both as part of a team and independently. Fluency in English is essential for the academic life at the center. We are looking for inspired and inspiring new talents who want to work in and contribute to an exciting, interdisciplinary STS research environment.
You can find more information here: PhD position AI & Society STP STS Dep