PhD Position in STS at the MCTS TU Munich
Tomás Sánchez Criado
Begin forwarded message:
Date: 4 October 2016 at 09:29:55 GMT+2
To: STSGRAD <sts...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: PhD Position in STS at the MCTS TU Munich
The Professorship for Science and Technology Policy (Prof. Ruth Müller), based at the Munich Center for Technology in Society (MCTS) and affiliated with the School of Life Sciences of the Technical University of Munich, announces an open position for a doctoral researcher (TV-L E13, 65%, 3 years, fixed term). The position is available immediately and has a focus on STS & Life Sciences, specifically on the Governance of Gene Editing.
About us
The research group “Science and Technology Policy” at MCTS explores the complex nexus of technoscience and policy, with a specific focus on the relationships between the life sciences, society, and policy. The group is based at the MCTS, a cross-faculty integrative research center in Science and Technology Studies (STS), and is affiliated with the School of Life Sciences. Current research projects explore for example transformations in the conditions and practices of academic labor or emerging knowledge cultures in the life sciences, such as epigenetics, and their social and political implications. We are currently developing a new research focus on gene editing technologies, which is further connected to the MCTS research lab “Engineering Responsibility”.
About the research focus “Gene editing”
New gene editing technologies are currently transforming the genetic sciences. The CRISPR/Cas-9 system allows the genetic modification of organisms with a so far unknown precision and at low cost. Possible applications include the immensely simplified production of genetically modified plants and animals, novel therapies for genetic diseases, and the prenatal editing of human genes and traits. Such novel technological opportunities raise and actualize a number of ethical, political and social questions and increase the urgency of scientific and societal deliberation on the potential and problems of genetic engineering. As part of a larger research focus on emerging knowledge cultures in the life sciences, the research line on gene editing within the Science and Technology Policy group at MCTS will explore the effects of new gene editing technologies in different research fields (e.g., agricultural sciences, biomedicine), examine the emerging public discourse on the topic, and facilitate and analyze deliberation processes between scientists, policy makers, and affected publics.
Your tasks as a doctoral researcher
As a doctoral researcher you will be part of a team of STS researchers working on gene editing and other research topics at the intersection of technoscience, society and policy. You will contribute to the overall research focus on gene editing and develop an innovative question for your PhD thesis in the context of this focus together with your supervisor. You will have regular meetings with your PhD supervisor to support the progress of your thesis and will be part of an inspiring research community in the group and at the MCTS. You will actively participate in the academic life at the center, present your work at international academic meetings, gain first experiences in teaching and academic publication, and assist in the organization of academic events and other activities of the group. As a PhD student you are enrolled in the TUM Graduate School that provides a structured PhD program and offers a course program in academic and transferable skills.
Who can apply?
Applicants should hold a Masters degree in the social sciences, humanities, or the life sciences. Familiarity with STS methods and theories is a plus. You should be interested in working across the disciplines and in engaging with other knowledge cultures. You should be capable of and interested in working both as part of a team and independently. Good communication skills in English are essential. Good German language skills or the willingness to acquire these during the first year are a plus in order to be able to gradually participate in the entire breadth of all activities of the group, including German language teaching and societal outreach.
Application documents
Your complete application documents must include your CV, certificates of Master degree, a letter of motivation (max 2 pages), 1-2 writing samples (e.g. thesis chapters), and names and contact details of 2 references, including a brief statement explaining your relationship to each of the named references.
Interested?
Please send your complete application as a single pdf document to michael...@tum.de and ruth.m...@tum.de. We will accept and review all applications received until including October 25, 2016. However, as the position is to be filled as soon as possible, we will be reviewing application as we receive them and encourage early application.
We are committed to raising the number of women in research and teaching. Female researchers are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities are treated with preference given comparable qualification.
If you have questions about the application procedure, please contact ruth.m...@tum.de. For more information, visit http://www.mcts.tum.de.