PhD student position in Science, Technology and Society

The Department of Technology Management and Economics at Chalmers University of Technology is looking for a PhD candidate in Science, Technology and Society (STS).

Information about the research/the project/the division
The position is in the Open Science in Society project. This project investigates the relationship between open science and society. Focusing on what open science offer different actors in society, e.g. policy makers, private business and civil society organisations, we ask questions about both the use and creation of the knowledge products made available. For example: How are the uncertainties of open data communicated to policy makers? What knowledge and skills do a business need to use scientific decision support tools? What can civil society organisations do with open source software? How do scientists learn about the needs of different actors? How do scientists avoid pitfalls, such as gender barriers, when working to make science open?

We approach the issues by way of comparative qualitative case studies centered on open science knowledge products for use in society. Focusing on Sweden we trace these entities from the context of creation to situations of use. Empirical material gathered through interviews and ethnography will make it possible to answer important questions about how society is changing in response to changes in the politics of knowledge brought about by open science.

The position is based at the Division of Science, Technology and Society (STS) which researches and teaches, among other things, Science and Technology Studies, History of Technology, Gender and Technology, Technology Policy, Ethics and Technology and Environmental Humanities.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD candidate, your main responsibility is to pursue doctoral studies in relation to a specific research aim. At large, PhD studies include completing a number of doctoral courses, conducting literature reviews, designing research tasks, collecting and analysing empirical data, and communicating the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The exact design of your PhD project will be decided in collaboration with the main supervisor.

As a PhD candidate you take an active role in the research project, collecting empirical data, conducting analysis and presenting results. You are expected to present results continuously at seminars and international and national conferences.

The position will also include teaching in Chalmers undergraduate level courses, supervising student projects or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To qualify for the PhD position you must have completed a Master's degree (MA or MSc) at the start date of 1 April 2021. A minimum of 90 Swedish university credits (out of a total 300) in social science or humanities subjects is a requirement for this position.

Additional qualifications for applicants with a MSc (Science or Engineering) degree are a Master's thesis on a social science or humanities theme and experience/interest in working with qualitative social science methods.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200554 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.
• Optional: Applicants may add one additional written work to the application.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 18 January, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Catharina Landström
E-mail: catharina.landstrom@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 709 492369

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!