1 postdoctoral researcher position based at the Department of STS, the Tech=
nical University of Munich
Deadline: Nov 4, 2021
The Professorship of Science & Technology Policy (Prof. Dr. Ruth M=FCller),=
based at the Department of STS at the Technical University of Munich, anno=
unces an open position for a postdoctoral researcher (TV-L E13, 100%, 1 yea=
r). The position is to start as soon as possible, latest on Jan 1, 2022. Ap=
plication deadline: Nov 4, 2021.
About us
The research group =93Science & Technology Policy=94 (STP) explores the int=
eractions between science, technology, society and policy, focusing specifi=
cally on transforming and emerging knowledge cultures in academia and their=
social, political and ethical dimensions. The STP group is based at the De=
partment of Science, Technology & Society at the newly founded TUM School o=
f Social Sciences & Technology. The department is home to about 60 research=
ers in STS, hosts two international MA programs (MA Science & Technology St=
udies and MA Responsibility in Science, Engineering and Technology) and is =
a hub for international guest researchers in STS.
About the research project
The project =93Wissensschaftskulturen in Deutschland=93, supported by the V=
W Foundation, is a pilot project that explores contemporary scientific cult=
ures in Germany, focusing specifically on challenges and opportunities for =
aspiring researchers (postdocs and tenure track researchers) and how this g=
roup of researchers can be enabled to conduct rigorous, creative and respon=
sible research. To this end, we will conduct case studies at a range of Ger=
man research institutions which aim to elucidate how circumstances, opportu=
nities and challenges differ based on research field, institutional context=
and other variables. The project will employ qualitative research methods,=
such as semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis. Re=
search findings are intended to critically and constructively inform fundin=
g programs and other activities at the VW Foundations. Through internationa=
l expert workshops and other activities, the project offers unique opportun=
ities to network with international scholars in STS and science policy expe=
rts.
Your tasks as postdoctoral researcher
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will work as part of the project team, to=
gether with Prof. Dr. Ruth M=FCller. Your tasks will include empirical rese=
arch and data analysis, presentation of results at international academic m=
eetings and in international academic journals, and the organization of res=
earch-related academic events. Beyond the project, you will be part of the =
Science & Technology Policy research group and the lively STS research comm=
unity at the STS department more generally. You will actively participate i=
n the academic life of the group and the department, which both regularly h=
ost international guest researchers and academic events.
Applicants should hold a PhD in STS or related social science research fiel=
ds. A successful candidate will be familiar with STS concepts and theories;=
experienced in qualitative social science research methods; interested in =
working in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment and =
in engaging with other knowledge cultures; able to work independently and a=
s part of a team; and capable of both rigorous and creative academic work. =
English language skills at a high level of quality are essential for the po=
sition and for academic life at the STS department in general. For this pro=
ject, high level German skills are essential, too. We are looking for inspi=
red and inspiring new talents who want to work in and contribute to an exci=
ting, interdisciplinary STS research environment.
Application documents
Your complete application documents must include your CV, your PhD degree c=
ertificate, a letter of motivation (max. 2 pages), 1-2 writing samples (e.g=
., thesis chapters, articles, etc.), and names and contact details of 2 ref=
erences, including a brief statement explaining your relationship to each o=
f the named references.
Interested?
Please send your complete application as a single pdf document to applicati=
ons.stp@mcts.tum.de. We will accept an=
d review all applications received up until and including Nov 4, 2021. Inte=
rviews will be conducted shortly after the application deadline, in person =
or via a video conferencing tool.
We are committed to raising the number of women and gender-non-binary indiv=
iduals in research and teaching, who are especially encouraged to apply. Ap=
plicants with disabilities are treated with preference given comparable qua=
lification.
If you have questions about the application procedure, please contact appli=
cations.stp@mcts.tum.de. If you have c=
ontent-related questions, please contact ruth.mueller@tum.de and cansu.guner@tum.de.
