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The Orient-Institut Istanbul (OII), part of the Max Weber Foundation (German Humanities Institutes Abroad), is seeking to fill the position of a

Research Associate (d/f/m/; Part-time 50%)

starting February 1, 2025. The position is limited to three years, and the place of employment is Istanbul.

The OII is a research institute within the network of the Max Weber Foundation  – German Humanities Institutes Abroad specializing in disciplines of the humanities and social sciences. As a German research institute, it collaborates closely with Turkish and international scholars on a wide range of research topics, fostering scientific exchange between Germany and Türkiye.

The position is part of the project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG): /“Manufacturing Practices of Medical Instruments in Innovation Clusters: A Comparative Study of Tuttlingen, Sialkot and Samsun”/ (Project Number: 551920228, PI: Dr. Melike Şahinol).

The project focuses on the manufacturing practices of medical instruments in three key innovation clusters: Tuttlingen (Germany), Sialkot (Pakistan), and Samsun (Türkiye). These regions, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and technological innovation, are interconnected through global value chains that sustain the production and innovation of surgical instruments.

Using comparative analysis, multi-sited ethnography, and qualitative interviews, the project is situated at the intersection of sociology—focusing on work, craftsmanship, and innovation—and Science and Technology Studies (STS). It explores how regional innovation cultures, historical trajectories, and collaborative practices shape the medical instrument industry. The findings aim to advance theoretical discussions on the interplay between labor, expertise, and innovation, while also providing actionable insights for public policy to enhance collaboration within globally interconnected industries.

Requirements:

• A completed doctorate (Ph.D.) in Sociology or Science and Technology Studies (STS), with a focus on labor and organizational research, medical sociology, and/or innovation studies being advantageous.
• Solid expertise in qualitative research methods, particularly ethnographic fieldwork and interview techniques.
• Proven experience in analyzing qualitative data and collaborating within interdisciplinary research teams.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork over extended periods (several days or weeks) at project sites.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and Turkish; knowledge of German is an advantage.
• Experience with qualitative data analysis software such as Atlas.ti or MaxQDA.
• Proficiency in using reference management tools such as EndNote or Zotero.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration, teamwork, and the project’s topics.

Responsibilities:

• Research collaboration within the DFG-funded project, including: o Conducting ethnographic fieldwork at various locations (e.g., Samsun, Tuttlingen). o Preparing, conducting, and analyzing qualitative interviews with relevant stakeholders (e.g., from crafts, medicine, industry, and policy). o Analyzing and preparing research findings and co-authoring academic reports and publications.
• Close collaboration with the project team in Istanbul and international project partners.
• Organizing and participating in academic events and presentations.
• Contributing to public outreach activities related to the project.

Equal Opportunity Policy:

We actively promote gender equality in hiring by addressing existing imbalances and strongly encourage qualified women to apply. In accordance with legal requirements, candidates with disabilities will be given preference in cases of equal qualifications (suitability, capability, and professional performance), as will women over men.

The OII is a family-friendly employer committed to facilitating the balance between family, caregiving, and work. Initial information about living and working conditions for families at the institute’s location can be found on our website .

If the requirements for an expatriate position (German citizenship) are met, remuneration will be in accordance with TVöD pay group 13, otherwise remuneration will be based on the currently valid remuneration scheme of the German Embassy Ankara.

Application:

Applications should include the following documents:

• Cover letter (max. 2 pages) explaining: o Your motivation to contribute to the /“Manufacturing Practices of Medical Instruments in Innovation Clusters”/ project. o Your experience in the field of sociology / STS in general and specifically labor and organizational research, medical sociology, and/or innovation studies o Your experience and/or interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. o Your ability to work in a team. o The title and content of your doctoral thesis.
• CV, including a list of publications.
• Relevant certificates (copy of Ph.D. degree, etc.).
• Writing sample (e.g., Ph.D. thesis, publication, or similar).
• Two academic referees (names, emails, and phone numbers).

Please send your application via our online application form in a PDF format as a single file no later than January 12, 2025, to the director of the OII, Prof. Dr. Christoph K. Neumann.

For questions or further information, please contact Ms. Bilge Karbi via email (karbi@oiist.org).

For project-specific information, please contact the project leader Dr. Melike Şahinol (sahinol@oiist.org).

Further information can be found at www.oiist.org and www.maxweberstiftung.de .

-- Dr. Melike Şahinol webhttps://melikesahinol.com/ ORCIDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-2914-2489

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