PRR Project

Summary

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE CANDIDATE :The research candidate is expected to be focused on pursuing high-quality research on the social studies of science and technology adopting an interdisciplinary approach. The candidate should develop research with scientific autonomy but aligned with the scientific strategy of CES contributing to the Research Line RISE, Risk(s), Ecologies, Health, which promotes an integrated approach to risks and threats and their impacts on the ecosystem and human and non-human well-being, building a dialogue with socially robust approaches and interventions designed from responsible research and innovation tools and procedures, involving methodologies and analytical frameworks for the prediction, mitigation and adequate recovery from risks. It will also contribute to CES OSIRIS Observatory, which seeks to monitor policies, both in terms of aims and means employed and the expectable or observable results, and to contribute to the identification of responses and to broadening the range of alternatives considered in the public debate.The researcher should develop a research agenda that accomplishes the following goals :critical advances discussion of the use of AI and the digitalization of things;explore the use of innovative technologies in state and social control (e.g. Facial Recognition Technology; DNA technologies; data harvesting);examine how these technologies change conceptions of privacy, and the construction of suspicion, and how they are framed and (re)configured in law, jurisprudence, and regulations;stimulate a wider discussion on the intersections of science, state and social control;propose policy recommendations that ensure an ethical, accountable and transparent use of emergent technologies.The research should embrace the following strategic research principles at CES :produce original and empirically-based knowledge;develop analysis with a focus on European peripheries and/or the Global South;offer ground-breaking theoretical contributions that advance the state of the art through relevant (inter)disciplinary crossings;foster the intersection between social sciences, arts and humanities;adopt a mix (quantitative and qualitative) of research methods;adopt collaborative methods of knowledge co-creation (involving citizens, policymakers, advocacy groups and civil society organizations);disseminate to the results to wider academic public, including an ambitious publication strategy;contribute to CES advanced training, namely by participating in Summer and Winter Schools or Doctoral Programs, supervising students, post-doctoral or visiting fellows;foster the impact of research to the wider society through varied means of dissemination (digital platforms, cultural initiatives, etc.).contribute to consolidate national-based and international research collaborations, namely securing funding for research projects. SCIENTIFIC PROFILE REQUIRED BY THE HIRING INSTITUTION:Based on the previously mentioned tasks, the candidate should have a background in social studies of science and technology, with a clear emphasis and expertise in the challenges posed by the use of innovative technologies. The candidate should also demonstrate a commitment to interdisciplinary research, along with a proficient use of empirical methodologies and analytical theoretical frameworks. These attributes are expected to foster collaborations with other research groups within CES, namely OSIRIS Observatory. Additionally, prior experience in securing competitive funding and leading research projects and research teams, the ability to establish and sustain strategic international collaborations that can improve the quality of the scientific research performed, and to attract and train young researchers will also be required skills to fit this position. Moreover, knowledge transfer skills (e.g. outreach and dissemination of research outputs to maximize its social impact) will be highly valued. RATIONALE FOR THE NEED TO HIRE FOR THE INDICATED SCIENTIFIC AREA.One of CES strategic goals is to advance research in social studies of science and technology with a focus on science policies, uses of technology by experts and citizens. With this strategic goal in mind, CES will hire a researcher within this area of expertise and experience in the conduct of interdisciplinary research. With this position CES is expected to contribute to the definition of science and public policies better tailored to the rapid adoption of challenging technologies.By strengthening the research potential of the Thematic Line RISE and the OSIRIS Observatory with expertise in social studies of science and technology, CES upholds its commitment to producing ground-breaking research, with international impact, that contributes to substantial personal, societal and economic benefits as well as to a socially responsible science.