PRR Project

Summary

NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities seeks to expand its academic staff by appointing an Assistant Researcher in Science and Technology Studies, with particular expertise on knowledge production, innovation and social impact. The selected candidate will develop their research agenda as an active member of Research Unit CICS.NOVA and will contribute to the development of NOVA FCSH strategic line on Society and Politics. Key responsibilities addressed: 1. Design and conduct independent and interdisciplinary research on topics related with: a) the corporatization of scientific organizations, instrumentalization of knowledge and institutionalization of a performativity culture frame; b) the academic and life trajectories of researchers, and knowledge production. 2. Generate and disseminate high-quality research findings, including (but not exclusively) in international, peer-reviewed journals. 3. Contribute to a supportive and productive research community, namely by supporting the design and implementation of CICS.NOVA’s research strategy, as well as NOVA FCSH strategic area of Society and Politics. 4. Design and submit applications for competitive research funding. 5. Actively develop efforts to establish meaningful collaborative work with academic and non-academic institutions, setting the ground for future partnerships and social engagement. 6. Develop and teach courses, including in their field of expertise, thus actively contributing to the renewal and ongoing improvement of curricula and educational practices at all levels. 7. Supervise post-graduate students, by providing mentoring and advice.Scientific Profile: 1. PhD degree in the area of Natural Sciences or Sociology. 2. Specific expertise on social dimensions of Science, Knowledge and Innovation, in particular as well as sound knowledge of social impact methodologies, and of interdisciplinary approaches to science and knowledge production. 3. Recognized experience in the design and implementation of research projects, including projects with competitive and external funding. 4. Relevant experience in team coordination, in the context of research projects and/or managerial responsibilities. 5. Outstanding research qualities demonstrated through an established track record of relevant publications, including peer-reviewed, international journals, books and other relevant outlets. 6. Proven experience in interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary teams, either as project leader and/or team member. 7. Strong focus on societal engagement and knowledge exchange with relevant stakeholders and society in general. 8. Experience in teaching and supervision, at Master and PhD level in particular, and evidence of strong commitment to innovative pedagogical approaches, from a research-led teaching approach.Rationale: The recruitment of an Assistant Researcher in Science and Technology Studies, with a specialization and soundtrack-record on knowledge production, innovation and social impact, is scientifically relevant for both CICS.NOVA and NOVA FCSH. Science and Technology Studies have addressed the question of how dominant modifications towards the corporatization of scientific organizations, instrumentalization of knowledge and institutionalization of a performativity culture frame influence academic and life trajectories of researchers, and knowledge production. Research on these topics remains an underexplored area. Recruiting an Assistant Researcher in this field would allow to (1) strengthen the research developed under the strategic line on Education, Science and Knowledge, at the CICS.NOVA level, by adding complementary expertise to the current group and enhance the research outputs.  The position also covers an emerging area/topic relevant to current and future strategic research lines in CICS.NOVA, namely Work and Innovation. (2) support the Research Unit’s in achieving international recognition in its field and establishing it further as a reference both at the national and international level; and (3) contribute to teaching and mentoring at the post-graduate level, thus shaping a new generation of young researchers at CICS.NOVA.  This position is also crucial to further develop NOVA FCSH ‘Society and Politics’ strategic line, one of the five strategic areas that will support t NOVA FCSH educational and research mission until 2030. It is also an add value to teaching practices and the curricula offered at NOVA FCSH, specifically, at post-graduate levels, where CICS.NOVA scientifically support the programmes and PhD researchers.