Postdoctoral Position in Science, Technology and Society (STS) in Zürich

TheEthics, Technology and Society research group in the department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS), led by Prof. Dr. Margarita Boenig-Liptsin, is inviting applications for a Post-doctoral researcher in Science, Technology and Society (STS) .

The fulltime position is limited to two years, with possibility of extension, and is paid according to the fixed salary rates of ETH Zurich. This position is intended for researchers who have completed their PhD in January 2027 at the latest or within the last 2 years.

Research in the Ethics, Technology and Society group is on the mutual interplay of science, technology and society using frameworks and methods from Science, Technology & Society (STS), history, philosophy, anthropology, critical theory, and the arts. We privilege interpretive, qualitative methods that combine situated ethnographic detail with deep knowledge of cultural and political contexts and histories, ideally in a cross-national comparative perspective. You can learn more about the research of the group on its website.

Project background

The successful candidate for the Post-doctoral researcher position is expected to develop empirical research (ethnographic field work, document and policy analysis, historical research) with youth, parent and guardian groups who move to understand and respond to the impacts of digital technologies on children and young adults inSwitzerland and Europe. The candidate will develop their research within the framework of the SNSF-funded research project States of Anxiety: Expertise and Activism in Digital and Ecological Environments. The candidate will work closely with the PI and Senior Scientific Assistant to develop the project’s framework, empirical sites, and contribute to its deliverables.

We are in particular looking for candidates who have interest and experience withSTS and humanities pedagogy, andcross-cutting analysis betweenenvironmental and digital domains. We are also interested in candidates who valueengaging publicly on topics of the ethical, social, and political aspects of science and technology,within the university, in communities of the city and canton of Zurich, and in dialogue with diverse social actors.

Job description

• Perform qualitative social science (STS) research in the above-mentioned area in fulfillment of the research project, States of Anxiety: Expertise and Activism in Digital and Ecological Environments
• Work towards publications in recognized international journals, including co-authored papers with other group members
• Engage on topics of ethical, social, and political aspects of digital technologies within the ETH Public Policy School, the university, Zürich civil society, activist groups, and wider publics
• Participate regularly in the events of the Ethics, Technology and Society research group and support the work of the group, including the organization of meetings, project maintenance, planning of project events, workshops, conferences
• Actively engage with professors, students, and researchers at the D-GESS department, ETH Zürich, and in the Swiss and international STS community
• (Co-)Develop and (co-)teach MA level and Bachelor level courses in the Science inPerspective Program, in accordance with project outputs

Profile

Essential experience, skills and characteristics:

• Completed PhD latest by January 2027or have completed within the last 2 years a dissertation in Science, Technology and Society (STS) or a related field, e.g. History and/or Philosophy of Science and/or Technology, Anthropology, Geography, Law, (Qualitative) Policy Studies, Innovation Studies, Sociology, Political Science. Interested candidates with a PhD in engineering or science who have extensive training and research experience in STS are also encouraged to apply
• A distinct research profile in STS or related fields that is demonstrated through publications and/or teaching in areas relevant to the project
• Interest and experience in STS and humanities pedagogy and in science-society interfaces
• Broad knowledge of the topics, theories and methods of STS
• Proficiency in English, and in French or German

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge of co-productionist and comparative approaches in STS
• International experience
• Strong inclination to work in a team-oriented environment

We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising inscience and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledgeinto society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find ouruniversity to be a place that promotes independent thinking and anenvironment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,yet forging connections all over the world, we work together todevelop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

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