Post-doctoral researcher (TV-L E13, 100%, 5 years, fixed term) on the Topic “Environmental STS”

Job description:

• Perform STS research on the global environmental risks (climate change, biodiversity, chemicals, negative emissions technologies) including novel forms of knowledge-making (such as datafication) and governance such as standardization as well as the governance of socio-technical transformation (in the field of energy,
  AI, digitalization & environment).
• Work towards joint publications in recognized international, peer-reviewed journals, including co-authored papers with other group members;
• Co-Teach courses in TUM Master RESET and Master STS on topics such as: STS concepts and methods, advanced topics on Technology, Sustainability, Society; help develop new courses on these topics (such as “Future-making”, “STS & activism, “Risks & Safety”, “Accounting and standardization practices”);
• Teach course in the TUM School of Engineering and Design – MINT and Master Science Risk and Safety
• (Co-)Supervise Master’s students;
• Consider writing/contributing to synergistic grant applications to raise external funding;
• Participate in the SST research group and support the work of the group at an administrative level, including research management, the organization of meetings, project maintenance, project events, workshops at the TUM think tank, conferences etc.;
• Active engagement with the community at STS Department, TUM, and in the international STS landscape.

Candidate profile:

• Postdoc position: Completed/submitted dissertation in Science and Technology Studies (STS) or a related field, e.g. Sociology, Interpretative Policy Studies, Political Science, Geography, or other relevant fields, presuming that you can demonstrate an equivalent level of qualification and subject-specific expertise;
• A distinct research profile in STS or related fields (demonstrated through publications or previous teaching), ideally related to the topic and the broader SST profile;
• Broad knowledge of the topics, theories and methods of STS and related approaches
• Knowledge of comparative approaches in STS are a strong advantage;
• Experiences in (co-)supervising student theses are an advantage;
• Experiences in research management are an advantage;
• Excellent command of the English language;
• German language skills are an advantage (but not necessary);
• International experience is an advantage;
• Presence at Munich during the semester obligatory
• Strong inclination to work in a team-oriented environment.

About us:

The SST research group seeks to establish a research program on science, technology and society in the interdisciplinary environment of the SOT and TUM. The overarching goal of our research group is to combine research on science in society with real-world engagements in advisory bodies and societal co-production in an interactive and reflexive way. The group researches and enables the emergence of new forums of collaboration between different societal actors from science, civil society, politics and business as well as new formats of knowledge production and governance of science (e.g. public engagement, responsible science, co-creation of knowledge and standardization). We also develop the analytical framework for theoretical and practical approaches for understanding and mapping novel forms of knowledge production and assessing
their scientific performance and societal impact, including their evaluation criteria. By creating a space for public engagement and critical reflection, our research aims to address – in theory and practice – to solving pertinent and urgent scientific and societal challenges arising e.g. from rapid global change and emerging technologies (such as Negative Emission Technologies and Social Media).

The research group is contributing to the projects ‘EU-Climateurope2: Supporting and standardising climate services in Europe and beyond’, 2022-2026, and ‘BioNET – Multi-level Assessment of Bio-based Negative Emission Technologies’ as part of the BMBF funding measure Methods of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=49066.

Find out more about the STS Department and STS online: https://www.mcts.tum.de/en/wissensoz/overview/

About the STS Department:

The Department of Science, Technology and Society (STS) at the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology is dedicated to understanding the larger social, political, ethical and legal dimensions of science and technology. Embedded in TUM’s unique innovation ecosystem, we are committed to enabling a more responsible and sustainable engagement with science and innovation through social science research, teaching and public dialogue – often in collaboration with partners from technical fields. The TUM STS community strives to provide new intellectual and practical resources for dealing with the challenges of highly technologized societies, and to train future leaders with a unique sensibility for the critical interface between science, technology and society. As one of Europe’s largest hubs for STS, we are a lively intellectual community of 70+ researchers from numerous
disciplines and fields of specialization. As a department, we deliver 2 Master’s programs and design STS content for the School’s PhD program. We offer regular public lectures and symposia, weekly discussion groups, and visiting researcher programs. We maintain close collaborative ties to other parts of TUM as well as to leading STS centers in Germany and around the world.

Application:

• Please submit your application as a single pdf document, including the following parts (in this order):
• Your CV, including a list of publications and presentations (if applicable);
• A letter of motivation that describes your research profile and your qualification for/interest in the job profile (max. 2 pages);
• 1-2 writing samples (e.g. a chapter of your PhD thesis, MA thesis, a publication, or a manuscript);
• The names and contact details of one reference (PhD Position) and up to three references (Postdoc Position);
• Relevant transcripts and certificates (e.g. a copy of your Master’s or doctoral degree).

All application materials should be sent to Silke Beck, mentioning “WSS ESTS” in the subject line, respectively.

The deadline for application is Sept 15, 2023. Specific clarification questions about this position or the WST research profile should be addressed to Prof. Silke Beck (silke.beck@tum.de).

Published: 08/28/2023