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Energy social science postdoctoral research fellow at University of Queensland

About This Opportunity

The project directly relates to a project funded under the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). The Future Fuels CRC reflects the vision of Australia’s gas and pipelines sector, focusing on the pivotal role that new fuels and the existing gas infrastructure will have to play in a low carbon economy. This research role is a key part of the “Enhancing acceptance and a social licence to operate future fuel infrastructure through community engagement and deliberative processes” project.

Our Ideal Candidate 

The successful appointee must have a PhD in sociology, social psychology, science and technology studies or related scientific field, with demonstrated knowledge and skills for conducting quantitative and qualitative research as well published high quality reports and/or papers in scholarly journals.

You must have ongoing unrestricted work rights in Australia to apply for this opportunity.

We value diversity and inclusion, and actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage contains further information if you require additional support. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to recruitment@uq.edu.au.

What We Can Offer

This is a full-time, fixed term position at Academic Level A

The full-time base salary will be in the range $81,827.77 – $90,982.26, plus super of up to 17% and recreation leave loading of 17.5%.

You will be able to take advantage of UQ Sport Facilities, salary sacrificing options, on-campus childcare, discounted private health insurance, cheap parking, development programs and many other benefits.

For further information, please review The University of Queensland’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018-2021.

Position Description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Social Sciences) – Chemical Engineering – Academic PD.pdf

Questions?

To discuss this role please contact Professor Peta Ashworth p.ashworth@uq.edu.au

Want to Apply?

To submit an application for this role, use the APPLY NOW button below. All applicants must supply the following documents:

  • Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria
  • CV

Applications Close: 18 October 2019 at 11:00 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time

UQ Jobs Reference: 508486

Postdoctoral fellowship on the impacts of hydropower development in the Brazilian Amazon.

Michigan State University is searching for a social scientist postdoctoral scholar to be a part of a four-year NSF-funded grant that is developing new ways to reduce the social, economic and environmental costs of hydropower development. We are going into the last two years of the project and the focus is on quantitative data analysis and publications of the social science data collected.

Project Abstract: An estimated 3,700 major dams are currently either planned or under construction worldwide, and they will continue to play significant roles in energy production in the foreseeable future, especially in developing countries. This study’s goal is to develop innovative solutions for hydropower– not just to produce energy for the national grid, but woven into the surrounding food, water, and institutional systems. The team includes hydro-engineers, hydrogeologists, climatologists, biologists and social scientists working in tandem to offer transformative solutions for hydropower development while ensuring that social and environmental benefits outweigh costs. The project is being conducted in three different basins in the Brazilian Amazon. The social science component is generating a household-level data set of 8 communities, and a total of some 1200 households using randomized sampling, that have been impacted by hydropower development in the Madeira basin in Brazil. In addition, plans are underway to start doing a similar survey in two other basins. The social analysis will focus on impacts on households, differences in compensation and resettlement, and on social/economic changes experienced by households. 

The post-doctoral fellow will work on statistical analysis of data collected through a social survey protocol, and may help with the design of a new survey. Strong demonstrated statistical skills are required.  Candidate should be able to work independently but value collaboration with the PIs in the project.

The position will start as soon as an appropriate candidate is found. Candidates will be based in East Lansing, Michigan. Position will initially be for one year, with possible renewal for another year, depending on performance. Salary will be based on commensurate education and experience.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources websiteposting number 596257. Applications should include (a) a cover letter that addresses the applicant’s interest in the position and how the applicant meets the qualifications specified above, (b) a current CV, and (c) 3 letters of recommendation. Queries may be directed to Professor Maria Claudia Lopez, Chair of the Search. mlopez@msu.edu

Davidson College TT position: Assistant Professor in Environmental Change and Society

The Environmental Studies department at Davidson College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Environmental Change and Society, beginning July 1, 2020. The ideal candidate will have completed coursework, taught courses, and conducted research that connect social science theories and methods to multiple global environmental challenges, such as air pollution, biodiversity loss, climate change, environmental justice, food and water insecurity, natural resource extraction, or urbanization. Relevant expertise in areas such as human values, markets, migration, public health, social learning, and sustainable development within the context of environmental change is particularly welcome.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a social science discipline or interdisciplinary program by June 2020, a commitment to excellent teaching to a diverse undergraduate population, and a desire to mentor undergraduate research projects. We are particularly interested in candidates who can deepen our students’ interdisciplinary understanding of the anthropogenic causes of environmental change at the local and the global scale, the effects of these changes on human communities, and how communities and individuals are responding to these changes. We are also seeking candidates who are committed to teaching and research that includes possible solutions to global environmental challenges. The potential to contribute to other programs (including Africana Studies, Anthropology, Data Science, Digital Studies, East Asian Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Health and Human Values, Latin American Studies, Sociology, and South Asian Studies) will be viewed favorably, as will the candidate’s interest in and willingness to contribute to the first-year Writing Program or the requirement in Justice, Equality, and Community. Ideal candidates will also incorporate research methods that cover both quantitative and qualitative techniques in their courses. 

Apply online only at http://employment.davidson.edu. To ensure a full review of application materials, applications must be completed by October 1. Requested applications include a detailed cover letter with discrete sections describing: 1) teaching philosophy, 2) research interests, and 3) how teaching, research, and/or service might contribute to Davidson’s institutional commitment to diversity and inclusion, a CV, and three letters of reference. Answers to additional questions can be found athttps://www.davidson.edu/news/2019/07/30/tenure-track-position-environmental-studies.

Permanent associate professor in climate and energy transformation

A permanent position as associate professor of political science/public policy within climate and energy transformation in Bergen, Norway.

The position is with Centre for Climate and Energy Transformation, and hosted by the Department of Administration and Organization Theory, University of Bergen. It requires a PhD in political science, public policy or other social sciences with relevance for the Department. Energy geographers who have sufficiently strong background in this realm may qualify.


Associate professor at the Department of Administration and Organization Theory within climate and energy transformation

We welcome you to apply for a full-time permanent tenured position as Associate Professor at the Department of Administration and Organization Theory, University of Bergen, within the field of climate and energy transformation. The Department of Administration and Organization Theory hosts the position, in collaboration with the Centre for Climate and Energy Transformation (CET). The position will contribute to strengthening research, education and project development at the Department and CET within climate and energy transformation, which is a priority area at the University of Bergen.

The Department of Administration and Organization Theory<https://www.uib.no/en/admorg> combines political science with an organizational approach to public policy, public administration, and political institutions.

The Centre for Climate and Energy Transformation (CET)<https://www.uib.no/en/cet> is an interdisciplinary research centre aiming at producing actionable knowledge about how to achieve deep, rapid and sustainable transformation of society to meet the climate challenge.

Applicants are advised to consult and make themselves familiar with the teaching and research profile of the department as well as CET. Please see: http://www.uib.no/admorgandhttps://www.uib.no/en/cet.

We seek a dedicated candidate with collaborative skills to engage in research, supervision and teaching at the Department and CET. Personal aptitude will be important for the position. Among the qualifications we seek are:


 *   A Ph.D. in political science, public administration or other social sciences, with relevance for the Department’s profile.
 *   A strong academic background and documented expertise within the profile of the Department and with a documented specialization within the field of climate change, energy transition and/or societal transformation. This implies a demonstrated ability to publish research at a high international level beyond the PhD dissertation.

Application deadline: 15 September, 2019. Please find more information about the position at Jobbnorge: https://bit.ly/2LwxOnO

Postdoctoral Research Associate position at UW-Madison (deadline June 3, 2019)

Position: Research Associate (Postdoctoral)
Department: Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
Deadline: June 3, 2019

Requirements: Completed Ph.D. in Human Geography, Environmental Studies, or a related social science field, on community (preferably Indigenous-led) engagements with oil pipelines.

Job Duties: The Research Associate will draw upon their own prior and/or ongoing research to collaborate with members of the Horowitz Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on comparative analyses of community engagements with oil pipelines, in the aim of publishing peer-reviewed journal articles. The position is for nine to twelve months (negotiable).

Begin Date: 7/1/19 (negotiable)

Percent Time: 100%

Salary: $48,000 annually, minimum (depending on experience), plus benefits.

To Apply: Please send a CV, two sample publications, and two reference letters (sent directly) from your Ph.D. supervisor and/or people with whom you have collaborated on publications, to LHorowitz@wisc.edu.

PhD position Energy-SHIFTS programme (deadline 24 April)

Energy-SHIFTS is a new 2-year Horizon 2020 project, working to feed Social Science & Humanities (SSH) insights into EU energy policy, in particular the SET-Plan and Energy Union programmes. The project began on 1 April and will run for 2 years.
 
As part of Energy-SHIFTS, we are running a programme for SSH PhD students to be involved in key activities. This is our first call out as part of that programmme, with a set of opportunities to attend and support three workshops in the second half of June 2019 (in Brussels and Prague). Travel, accommodation and subsistence will be covered. Further details and the application process are set out below.
 
The workshops:
1) ‘The role of evidence in energy research & innovation policy’, led by ARU and co-hosted by the European University Association, 18 June in Brussels. This workshop will explore questions such as: How is SSH currently used in (energy) policymaking? What type(s) of evidence are regarded as ‘credible’, ‘robust’, etc.? What recommendations should we give to energy researchers, energy policyworkers, and indeed the EC to help drive this agenda forward?
2) ‘Social justice and just transition in fossil-fuel intensive regions’, led by E3G with the collaboration of Jagiellonian University and co-hosted by Bankwatch, second half of June in Prague. The workshop will bring together policyworkers, civil society and academics to discuss and tease out key issues to achieve and ensure social justice in processes of transition to carbon neutral economies. We are keen to encourage candidates from Central and Eastern European countries for this workshop.
3) ‘Creating inclusive engagement in low carbon transport solutions’, led by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in collaboration with Jagiellonian University on 25 June in Brussels. During the workshop, policyworkers, civil society representatives and academics will discuss issues related to inclusive and gender balanced research and innovation of low carbon transport solutions.
 
What’s involved?: One or two PhD students working in the energy-related Social Sciences & Humanities will be selected to support each workshop. They will attend, undertake video interviews with attendees, support social media, and write up a blogpost afterwards (therefore do highlight any experience in these areas in applications). There may be scope to feed into the workshop report which will make recommendations for both policy and the wider Energy-SHIFTS project. You would be part of the official Energy-SHIFTS PhD programme involving e.g. virtual meetings across the network, invitations to other events, and links into the project.
 
Application process: These opportunities are open to those undertaking a Social Science/Humanities PhD at a European institution, and who started their PhD within the last 4 years. Please send your CV, together with a cover letter (where you outline which workshop you would like to support, and your motivations/relevant experience to do so), and an estimated travel budget to/from the workshop, to rosie.robison@anglia.ac.uk and chris.foulds@anglia.ac.uk. Deadline for applications is 1700 UK time, Wed 24 April 2019. 

Two post-doc positions in smart energy, inclusive societies and environmental challenges

The post-doctoral scholarships below might be of interest to anthropologists studying “Smart energy solutions”. The two Full Time positions (36 months each) are based in Italy. The knowledge of Italian is therefore compulsory.

L’Universita’ di Catania ha appena bandito due posti di Ricercatore a Tempo Determinato di tipo A  in M-DEA/01 con candidature  in scadenza l’11 aprile 2019. Le due posizioni di ricercatore rientrano nell’ambito del Programma AIM “Attrazione e mobilita’ ricercatori” e afferiscono alla linea Smart, Secure and Inclusive Communities. 

CARATTERISTICHE DEI BANDI
La prima posizione afferisce alla “Linea 1 (Mobilità dei ricercatori): sostegno alla contrattualizzazione come ricercatori a tempo determinato di cui all’art. 24, comma 3 lett. a) della legge 240, di soggetti in possesso del titolo di dottore di ricerca conseguito da non più di quattro anni alla data dell’Avviso “AIM – Attrazione e Mobilità Internazionale” (27.2.2018). Il contratto della durata triennale prevede lo svolgimento di un periodo obbligatorio di lavoro in uno o più Atenei/Enti di Ricerca al di fuori del territorio nazionale.

La seconda posizione afferisce alla “Linea 2 (Attrazione dei ricercatori): sostegno alla contrattualizzazione come ricercatori a tempo determinato di cui all’art. 24, comma 3 lett. a) della legge 240, di soggetti in possesso del titolo di dottore di ricerca conseguito da non più di otto anni alla data dell’Avviso “AIM – Attrazione e Mobilità Internazionale” (27.2.2018), operanti presso atenei/enti di ricerca/imprese fuori dalle Regioni obiettivo del PON R&I 2014-2020 o anche all’estero, con esperienza almeno biennale presso tali strutture, riferibile (2.1) sia alla partecipazione o alla conduzione tecnicoscientifica di programmi e/o di progetti di ricerca.


BREVE DESCRIZIONE DEL PIANO DI RICERCA

Il piano di ricerca ha l’obiettivo di indagare la traduzione in pratica delle recenti politiche di pianificazione urbana che promuovono l’agenda smart a livello internazionale (in particolare gli assi applicativi smart environment / smart economy / smart people) nel contesto siciliano. In sostanza si esaminerà come le finalità del risparmio energetico, dell’ inclusività e della sostenibilità siano effettivamente realizzate e fino a che punto i protagonisti di questo nuovo indirizzo di governance territoriale si facciano carico delle problematicità socio- economiche ed ambientali presenti in aree, come quella gelese e siracusana, intensivamente toccate dallo sviluppo monosettoriale del comparto petrolchimico. A questo scopo i ricercatori contrattualizzati saranno coinvolti in un’indagine etnografica sul campo tesa a esaminare come il modello smart stia riconfigurando i regimi discorsivi, gli immaginari, gli arrangiamenti della politica territoriale nei due contesti di indagine in funzione della creazione di ambienti di vita più sicuri e inclusivi.


REQUISITI RICHIESTI PER LA PRIMA POSIZIONE 

a) Sono ammessi a partecipare alla selezione i soggetti in possesso del titolo di dottore di ricerca in M-DEA/01 o di titolo equivalente, conseguito in Italia o all’estero nel periodo dal 27.2.2014 al 27.2.2018.  


REQUISITI RICHIESTI PER LA SECONDA POSIZIONE 

a) essere in possesso del titolo di dottore di ricerca in M-DEA/01 o titolo equivalente conseguito, in Italia o all’estero, nel periodo dal 27.2.2010 al 27.2.2018. 

b) essere operativo, con contratto giuridicamente valido, presso atenei/enti di ricerca/imprese fuori dalle Regioni obiettivo del PON R&I 2014-2020 (Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Puglia, Sicilia, Abruzzo, Molise e Sardegna) o anche all’estero, con esperienza almeno biennale presso tali strutture riferibile alla partecipazione o alla conduzione tecnico-scientifica di programmi e/o di progetti di ricerca. Tale esperienza deve essere stata svolta, sempre presso atenei/enti di ricerca/imprese fuori dalle stesse Regioni obiettivo del PON, successivamente al conseguimento del titolo di dottore di ricerca e dovrà essere comprovata mediante uno o più contratti giuridicamente validi, stipulati con una o più strutture non necessariamente coincidenti con la struttura presso la quale il candidato è operativo alla data di pubblicazione del bando. 


PER VISIONARE I BANDI

BANDO N.1 (MOBILITA’) 

https://www.unict.it/it/content/bando-docenti-e-ricercatori?k=680

BANDO N.2 (ATTRAZIONE)

https://www.unict.it/it/content/bando-docenti-e-ricercatori?k=683&fbclid=IwAR3dbCD56HFNCuf9xLg4_4k_JI0oRn4LJPITgAk7eEeJWROwSfveFjaFBio

Visiting Assistant Professor of Geography (Energy Geography)

Position Details: Gustavus Adolphus College invites applications for a full-time one-year position of Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography to begin September 1, 2019.

Institution Information: Gustavus Adolphus College is a coeducational, private, Lutheran (ELCA), residential, national liberal arts college of 2200 students. We are committed to fostering a community that embodies the value of a liberal arts education rooted in heritage and boldly open to insight. The Gustavus Acts strategic plan renews our commitment to equipping students to lead purposeful lives and to act on the great challenges of our time by diversifying and expanding the Gustavus community and delivering a distinctive and integrated liberal arts education. We seek employees who are committed to and will actively contribute to our efforts to celebrate cultural and intellectual richness and be resolute in advancing inclusion and equity.

The Department of Geography at Gustavus Adolphus College is a community nurturing knowledge, skills, and values to guide us in an increasingly complex and interdependent world. Through innovative teaching and scholarship, we cultivate in our students a critical awareness of human-environment relationships, an understanding of the varied dimensions of global change, and respect for the world’s diversity of places and people. We are committed to applying geographic knowledge to build an economically, socially, and environmentally just world.

Major/Essential Functions: The annual teaching assignment will be six or seven courses, one of which may be a one-month January Term experiential course determined by the candidate and appropriate to the candidate’s expertise. Primary teaching responsibilities will include Energy Geography, Human Geography, and contributions to general education.

Application Procedures: To apply, visit https://gustavus.edu/jobs and complete the online application.

The Social Lives of Batteries and New Energy Materials: PhD opportunity

Lancaster University

3 year, fully funded PhD opportunity for UK and EU Citizens, based in the Leverhulme Material Social Futures Doctoral Training Centre, and Sociology Department at Lancaster University, UK.

Enquiries to: Dr Nicola Spurling, n.spurling@lancaster.ac.uk

Closing date: 30th April 2019

 

One of the most profound changes to society over the next 20 years will be the replacement of conventional fossil-fuelled vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) for public and personal transport. The key enabling technology for EVs is the rechargeable battery, which is one of the great success stories of materials science, and continues to be intensively developed and optimised for future EV applications. However, many assumptions framing current materials research for EV batteries are based around the notion that present travel demand will be undisrupted, with new technologies providing the same services as private fossil-fuelled cars, but in less carbon intensive ways. This is problematic. Despite the advances that have been made in battery materials, it is doubtful that EVs will ever match conventional vehicles in terms of vehicle range and ease of refuelling. Additionally, many materials used in current battery technology are either toxic, difficult to recycle, or increasingly scarce. And in any case, the demand for travel is changing, and in some cases private car is declining as new forms of mobility and ways of life emerge.

 

Specifically focused on new energy materials, battery technologies and electric vehicles, the PhD will follow batteries through the laboratory and into the possible forms of mobility and everyday futures which they might be part of. To achieve this aim, the successful candidate will i) conduct empirical research on how ‘the battery’ exists in the discourse and practices of material scientists that are working on new energy materials; ii) analyse how such assumptions have implications for the development of new materials and battery technologies; and, iii) creatively develop ‘everyday futures’ drawing on resources from the social sciences and design, mobilities research and debates on futures of travel. The ultimate aim is to explore some of the alternative socio-technical lives of future batteries through focussing on futures of travel in different countries, in transformed vehicle ecologies, and in relation to changed end use practices (e.g. online shopping and third space working). Through the Material Social Futures doctoral training centre, there will be many opportunities to engage in dialogue with material scientists (both staff and students), for example, through the MSF training programme, and with a thematically linked PhD in Chemistry on sustainable battery materials.

 

The position will suit a candidate with a background in Sociology, Anthropology, Material Culture or Science and Technology Studies. Experience of qualitative and ethnographic methods, and an interest in fields such as mobilities, science and technology studies, social practice theory, sociology of the future, and design anthropology are desirable.

 

Informal enquiries prior to submitting an application are encouraged and can be made directly to Dr Nicola Spurling (n.spurling@lancaster.ac.uk). Applications should be made via Lancaster University’s online application system (http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/how-to-apply-for-postgraduate-study/).

 

Further details available at: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sociology/phd/#the-social-lives-of-batteries-and-new-energy-materials

Research Fellow in Public Acceptance in Shale Gas (Fixed Term)

Post Title: Research Fellow in Public Acceptance of Shale Gas
School/department:  University of Sussex Business School, Science Policy
Research Unit (SPRU)
Hours: Full time
Contract: Fixed term for 24 months.
Reference:  0019
Salary: starting at ?33,199 and rising to ?39,609 per annum
Placed on:  5 October 2018
Closing date:  6 November 2018.
 Interview date: 14 November 2018
Expected start date: 1 January 2019

SPRU is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to investigate citizen
acceptance of shale gas in the UK. This project will contribute to a wider
programme of research on social acceptance of shale gas, as part of a
three year grant from the National Energy Research Council (NERC).

Download job description and person specification Ref 0019 <https://www.sussex.ac.uk/about/documents/0019-fps.pdf>

3-year postdoc position: Saint Andrews


The position will commence on 1 February 2019, or as soon as possible thereafter. It will be based in the Department of Social Anthropology and provide substantial scope for academic judgement, originality, interpretation, presentation and publication of results.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in fields such as finance and economic life, risk and value, morality and ethics, energy and climate change. Applicants are asked to contribute their own provisional research ideas in the form of a proposal as part of their application. Projects will have ethnographic fieldwork at their core, but may also draw on other methodologies, including archival and visual media work.

Requirements:

The successful candidate must hold, or will be about to be awarded, a PhD in anthropology or a closely related discipline. You must be able to engage critically and creatively with relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks within anthropology. You should have strong communication and organisational skills with a passionate interest and expertise in carrying out ethnographic research. You should be willing to work in a team and contribute to public events, publications and limited teaching alongside your research project.

Application:

Please apply online at www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk. However, if you are unable to do this, please call +44 (0) 1334 462571 for an application pack. Please quote ref.: AR2144SB. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Principal Investigator Dr Mette M. High at mmh20@st-andrews.ac.uk for further information about the project in advance of submitting applications.

Research Fellow in EU Shale Gas Controversies

University of Birmingham – School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Research Fellow in EU Shale Gas Controversies

 

 

The University of Birmingham is hiring a 12-months post-doctoral researcher to work with me on a ESRC-funded research grant: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BLF457/research-fellow-in-eu-shale-gas-controversies/.

Application deadline is 9th August, with interviews likely to take place on 28th August. Please circulate widely to potential candidates and feel free to contact me with any questions via email k.kama@bham.ac.uk.

The prospect of shale gas development has generated remarkable scientific and political controversy across Europe, with countries taking opposite approaches by either embracing or banning the industry. Given the lack of reliable geological knowledge and prevailing uncertainties in exploring new subsurface resources, what is the potential of these controversies to transform science-policy relations and public engagement with extractive industries? The post-doc joins an ESRC-funded project ‘Geo-logics and Geo-politics: The Collective Governance of European Shale Gas Development’ to explore this question at the level of both the EU and national authorities (Poland and the UK). This research also engages with emerging conceptual debates on ‘political geology’ across the social sciences.

The post-doc will collect primary data through a variety of social science research methods, which requires travelling for overseas fieldwork. They must be able to present research outputs to different audiences through both oral and written mediums, and to contribute to the organisation of project’s events, as well as future research networks and collaborations.

Previous experience in qualitative research methods, including interviews, participant observation and field research. Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Experience in social network analysis and additional language skills in Polish or German are desired, but not essential.

The candidate should hold a PhD/DPhil degree (or have submitted at the time of interview) in Human Geography, Science and Technology Studies, Anthropology, Sociology or a related discipline. It is desirable to have previous experience in the analysis of techno-scientific controversies, particularly in the context of extractive industries and/or energy transformations.

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £29,799 to £38,832. With potential progression once in post to £41,212 a year.

Closing date:   9th August 2018               Reference: 59660

Applications must be submitted via the University of Birmingham website. A full job description is available here: http://www.download.bham.ac.uk/vacancies/jd/59660.pdf

Further information on the ESRC Future Research Leaders grant can be found: http://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=ES%2FN016351%2F1.

Research Fellow in EU Shale Gas Controversies

The University of Birmingham is hiring a 12-months post-doctoral researcher to work with me on a ESRC-funded research grant: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BLF457/research-fellow-in-eu-shale-gas-controversies/.

Application deadline is 9th August, with interviews likely to take place on 28th August. Please circulate widely to potential candidates and feel free to contact me with any questions via email k.kama@bham.ac.uk.

The prospect of shale gas development has generated remarkable scientific and political controversy across Europe, with countries taking opposite approaches by either embracing or banning the industry. Given the lack of reliable geological knowledge and prevailing uncertainties in exploring new subsurface resources, what is the potential of these controversies to transform science-policy relations and public engagement with extractive industries? The post-doc joins an ESRC-funded project ‘Geo-logics and Geo-politics: The Collective Governance of European Shale Gas Development’ to explore this question at the level of both the EU and national authorities (Poland and the UK). This research also engages with emerging conceptual debates on ‘political geology’ across the social sciences.

The post-doc will collect primary data through a variety of social science research methods, which requires travelling for overseas fieldwork. They must be able to present research outputs to different audiences through both oral and written mediums, and to contribute to the organisation of project’s events, as well as future research networks and collaborations.

Previous experience in qualitative research methods, including interviews, participant observation and field research. Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Experience in social network analysis and additional language skills in Polish or German are desired, but not essential.

The candidate should hold a PhD/DPhil degree (or have submitted at the time of interview) in Human Geography, Science and Technology Studies, Anthropology, Sociology or a related discipline. It is desirable to have previous experience in the analysis of techno-scientific controversies, particularly in the context of extractive industries and/or energy transformations.

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £29,799 to £38,832. With potential progression once in post to £41,212 a year.

Closing date:   9th August 2018               Reference: 59660

Applications must be submitted via the University of Birmingham website. A full job description is available here: http://www.download.bham.ac.uk/vacancies/jd/59660.pdf

Further information on the ESRC Future Research Leaders grant can be found: http://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=ES%2FN016351%2F1.

For further information please contact the project’s PI, Dr Kärg Kama, k.kama@bham.ac.uk

PhD position/projet de thèse CIFRE: Au-delà du privacy paradox

Au-delà du privacy paradox
Quels sont, dans le monde de l’énergie, les enjeux liés à la production, à l’utilisation et à la circulation d’une masse croissante de données personnelles ?

Sujet de thèse CIFRE. Appel à candidatures

Le dossier de candidature se composera :

– d’un CV présentant de façon précise le parcours dans l’enseignement supérieur, ainsi que les notes et mentions obtenues en M1 et en M2 ;
– le mémoire de M2 s’il est achevé ou, à défaut, le mémoire de M1 en pdf (que nous ne diffuserons pas) ;
– ainsi qu’une courte lettre (une page) de motivation spécifiant l’intérêt pour le sujet proposé.
Le dossier doit être adressé par mail conjointement à Cécile Caron, Sylvie Douzou et Alexandre Mathieu-Fritz pour le 20 juillet 2018, dernier délai.

Directeur de thèse :
MATHIEU-FRITZ Alexandre, Professeur de sociologie à l’UPEM. Chercheur au LATTS.
alexandre.mathieu-fritz@univ-mlv.fr
01 60 95 71 80

Tutrices industrielles :
CARON Cécile, Chercheur en sociologie, EDF R&D, ICAME, GRETS
cecile.caron@edf.fr
01 78 19 45 89
DOUZOU Sylvie, Chercheur senior en sociologie, EDF R&D, ICAME
sylvie.douzou@edf.fr
01 78 19 46 15

1. CONTEXTE
Les transformations numériques en cours offrent la possibilité de collecter, de stocker, d’exploiter et de faire circuler les données différemment (en accroissant leur volume, en automatisant leur analyse, en faisant communiquer des dispositifs techniques). Cet afflux expansif de données est appelé à être de plus en plus relié à des dimensions personnelles : 1) La numérisation des différents champs d’informations (écrits, sons, images) contribue à accroître la production et à élargir la circulation et le traitement de données touchant à l’identité, à l’intimité et au secret ; 2) L’usage d’Internet génère de multiples traces de navigation attachées à des individus ; 3) Les dispositifs de géolocalisation permettent de suivre des individus en temps réel dans l’espace ; 4) L’implantation de capteurs dans les objets et les bâtiments retracent des usages et plus spécifiquement des comportements.
Les nouvelles technologies elles-mêmes ont des propriétés qui les rapprochent de la sphère intime (assistant vocal, reconnaissance faciale, etc.), qui accentuent les usages en temps réel et qui contribuent au brouillage des frontières entre public et privé. Ainsi, concomitamment à leurs potentialités, l’usage des technologies fait émerger de nouveaux risques, pour les individus et les organisations, notamment celui lié à la protection de la vie privée.
L’arrivée du Règlement Général sur la Protection des Données (RGPD) a pour objectif d’encadrer ce nouveau risque. Il replace le consentement au centre de l’arsenal législatif et règlementaire (Barraud de Lagerie, Kessous, 2014). Le consentement est défini comme « toute manifestation de volonté, libre, spécifique, informée et explicite par laquelle la personne concernée accepte par une déclaration ou par un acte positif univoque, que des données à caractère personnel la concernant fasse l’objet d’un traitement » et participe à l’émergence de nouveaux droits pour les utilisateurs (droits d’accès aux données traitées, droit de rectification, droit d’opposition dans certains cas, droit à l’oubli) et de nouvelles contraintes pour les fournisseurs et opérateurs (recueil du consentement pour des
traitements définis et information des personnes concernées, portabilité des données). Elle entend également contribuer à assurer une coopération plus étroite entre les autorités de protection des données et renforcer les sanctions en cas de non-application.
La question de la protection des données personnelles constitue un nouvel enjeu pour le monde de l’énergie, notamment parce que la numérisation a été érigée au rang d’impératif rationnel, voire de véritable feuille de route pour les acteurs du secteur : les données de consommation numérisées, les courbes de charges ont été désignées comme des Données à Caractère Personnel par la CNIL, mais aussi parce que la production, le transport et la commercialisation de l’électricité connaissent un vaste mouvement de « smartisation ». Face à cette figure imposée, des mouvements de résistance émergent, notamment autour de la question de la protection des données personnelles. Associations, militants ou de simples clients contestent le mouvement smart et tentent d’opposer à la figure du
« consomm’acteur » celle du « citoyen vulnérable », en prenant appui sur la défense de l’intérêt général (Danieli, 2017).
Ainsi, on constate dans le monde de l’énergie la structuration de formes de renforcement du concernement à l’égard de cette question de la protection de la vie privée, qui s’assortissent d’attentes et d’usages contribuant à multiplier la diffusion de données personnelles (Beuscart, Dagiral, Parasie, 2017). Ce double phénomène a été désigné par la notion de privacy paradox (Acquisti, 2010), notion commode pour désigner la nature de cette ambivalence, mais insuffisante pour analyser les reconfigurations en cours.
Dans le cadre d’une thèse CIFRE, nous envisageons, pour appréhender ces reconfigurations, d’aller au-delà de cette notion de privacy paradox, afin de saisir les enjeux liés la conception et aux usages des services énergétiques mobilisant des Données à Caractère Personnel et ce, dans les différents espaces concernés, espaces intimes pour les services énergétiques mobilisant des objets connectés au sein du logement ou via les smartphones ou espaces publics pour les services conçus et déployés dans le cadre de projets de smart cities.

2. PROBLÉMATIQUE et AXES DE RECHERCHES
Ces trois inflexions majeures : 1) développement de technologies multipliant et numérisant les données personnelles ; 2) évolutions du cadre normatif (le RGPD) renforçant la responsabilité des entreprises et 3) émergence de prises de conscience et de mobilisations sociales autour de l’enjeu de protection des libertés individuelles constituent un contexte nouveau pour le secteur de l’énergie et mettent au premier plan la nécessité d’appréhender le risque de protection des données personnelles. Pour ce faire, il convient de comprendre la vulnérabilité, mais aussi les ressources des individus et des organisations qui y sont exposés et d’identifier des modalités permettant d’étendre « le droit d’être laissé en paix » (Warren et Brandeis, 1890) des clients, usagers, salariés ou partenaires.

2.1. AXE 1. USAGES : dynamiques d’exposition de soi, attentes et mobilisations sociales en matière de protection de la vie privée
Le premier axe de réflexion de la thèse est centré sur la compréhension des usages et des pratiques en matière d’exposition de soi (Cardon, 2008 ; Dagiral, 2017) et de leurs ancrages sociologiques (Zillien & Hargittai, 2009 ; Granjon, 2009 ; Régnier, 2018). Il s’agit notamment de saisir les effets des dynamiques de réflexivité induites par le suivi des traces sur les comportements (Pharabod et al., 2013 ; Cahour & Licoppe, 2010) dans le domaine de la consommation d’énergie (Kessous, 2009 ; Caron, Durand-Daubin, 2017). Cette perspective prendra aussi en compte les attentes observables en matière de protection de la vie privée associées aux usages numériques individuels ou collectifs et la construction d’une contestation et d’un cadre polémique autour de la protection des données personnelles en matière d’énergie.

2.2. AXE 2. DISPOSITIFS ET PRATIQUES PROFESSIONNELLES : les reconfigurations techniques et collaboratives liées à la protection de la vie privée dans des
contextes de numérisation
Le deuxième axe de réflexion de la thèse porte sur les reconfigurations (Kessous, 2012) liées aux modalités de protection de la vie privée en matière de conception des dispositifs (Cardon, 2015 ; Sadin, 2015), mais également sur les ajustements observables dans l’organisation, dans le cadre de la relation de service et dans les pratiques collaboratives (Kessous, 2012 ; Mathieu-Fritz & Esterle, 2013 1/2). Il s’agit notamment d’observer comment les usages de nouveaux dispositifs techniques
contribuent à produire de nouvelles formes de répartition des tâches ou de division du travail et à transformer les activités des différentes catégories d’utilisateurs ainsi que leurs modalités d’interaction.

3. METHODOLOGIE ET CALENDRIER
Des enquêtes de terrain qualitatives auprès de l’ensemble des acteurs (concepteurs, usagers, professionnels internes et externes) seront conduites autour des thèmes de la conception et des usages de dispositifs techniques permettant de développer des services énergétiques individuels ou collectifs dans deux types d’espace : espaces intimes et espaces publics. Dans la mesure du possible, ces enquêtes qualitatives seront complétées par des analyses quantitatives des usages.
Automne 2018 : un stage de 6 mois précédent le lancement du contrat CIFRE pour un étudiant inscrit en master 2 recherche ou issu d’un master 2 recherche permettra de formaliser le sujet de thèse (sur la base d’une pré-enquête et d’un travail bibliographique) et de constituer le dossier CIFRE. La durée du contrat CIFRE est de 3 ans.

BIBLIOGRAPHIE
ACQUISTI A., « Les comportements de vie privée face au commerce électronique. Une économie de la gratification immédiate », Réseaux, « Données personnelles et vie privée », Volume 29 – 167.
ARRUABARRENA B., QUETTIER P. (2013). « Des rituels de l’automesure numérique à la fabrique autopoïétique de soi », Les Cahiers du numérique, Vol. 9, p. 41-62.
BARRAUD DE LAGERIE, KESSOUS. (2014). « La mise en marché des données personnelles » in STEINER & TRESPEUCH (dir.) Marchés contestés. Quand le marché rencontre la morale. Presses Universitaires du Mirail ?
CAHOUR B., LICOPPE C., (2010). « Confrontations aux traces de son activité. Compréhension, développement et régulation de l’agir dans un monde de plus en plus réflexif », Revue d’anthropologie des connaissances, Vol 4, n° 2, p. 243-253.
CARDON D. (2015). L’espace public élargi. Opinion, critique et expressivité à l’ère d’internet, Thèse de sociologie, Ecole doctorale « Organisations, marchés, institutions », Université Paris Est, Présentée et soutenue publiquement le 27 novembre 2015.
CARDON D. (2015). A quoi rêvent les algorithmes. Nos vies à l’heure des big data, Paris, Seuil / République des idées.
CARON C., DURAND-DAUBIN M. (2017), « Efficacité et justice des mesures de solidarité énergétique. Une régulation par les professionnels », in Énergie et transformations sociales. Enquêtes sur les interfaces énergétiques, J. Cihuelo, A. Jobert, C. Grandclément (Eds), Lavoisier, Paris.
COCHOY F., LICOPPE C. (2013). « Présentation », Réseaux, n° 182, p. 9-19.
DANIELI A., « La mise en société du compteur communicant Linky. Enseignements sociologiques de la trajectoire d’innovation d’un outil de régulation économique. », in MOUSSAOUI I., PIERRE M., Pratiques sociales et usages de l’énergie, in Lavoisier Tec & doc

DAGIRAL E. et al. (2016). « Mesurer pour prévenir ? Entre mise en nombre et mise en ordre », Terrains & travaux, n° 28, p. 5-20.
GRANJON F. (2009), « Inégalités numériques et reconnaissance sociale. Des usages populaires de l’informatique connectée », Les Cahiers du numérique, vol. 5, p. 19-44.
GRANJON F. (2017). Mobilisations numériques : Politiques du conflit et technologies médiatiques. Nouvelle édition [en ligne]. Paris : Presses des Mines, (généré le 15 décembre 2017).
KESSOUS E., (2009) « Prêter attention à l’environnement : engagement moral et réflexivité des traces énergétiques », in BARREY S. & KESSOUS E. (dir), Consommer et protéger l’environnement. Opposition ou convergence ?, Paris, L’Harmattan, pp. 67-89
KESSOUS E. (2012). L’attention au monde. Sociologie des données personnelles à l’ère numérique. Armand Colin.
KESSOUS E., (2012). « La gestion du secret. Enquête sur les usages de la messagerie électronique dans une organisation », Réseaux, n° 171, p. 133-160.
MATHIEU-FRITZ A. & ESTERLE L. (2013/1), « Les transformations des pratiques professionnelles lors des téléconsultations médicales. Coopération interprofessionnelle et délégation des tâches », Revue française de sociologie, Vol. 54, p. 303-329.
MATHIEU-FRITZ A. ET ESTERLE L. (2013/2), « Les médecins et le dossier santé informatisé communiquant » Analyse d’une expérimentation du dossier médical personnel (DMP), Réseaux, n° 178-179, p. 223-255.
PARASIE S. (2013). « Des machines à scandale. Éléments pour une sociologie morale des bases de données », Réseaux, n° 178-179, p. 127-161.
PHARABOD A.-S., NIKOLSKI V., GRANJON F. (2013), « La mise en chiffres de soi. Une approche compréhensive des mesures personnelles », Réseaux (n􀁲 177), p. 97-129.
REY B., (2007). « La notion de privacy au coeur des pratiques de consommation », 6ème journées normandes de Recherche sur la Consommation : Société et consommations, 19-20 mars 2007, groupes ESC Rouen.
REY B., KESSOUS E., (2009), « La vie privée à l’épreuve de l’économie numérique », in ARNAUD M. & MERZEAU L. (coord.), Traçabilité et réseaux, revue Hermès, n° 53, Paris, CNRS Editions.
SADIN E., (2015). La vie algorithmique. Critique de la raison numérique, Editions L’échappée
TUBARO P., CASILLI A. A. & SARABI Y. (2014). Against the Hypothesis of the End of Privacy, Springer

WARREN S., BRANDEIS L. (1890), “The Right to Privacy”, in Harvard Law Review, Vol. IV, p. 193-220.
ZILLIEN N., HARGITTAI E. (2009), « Digital Distinction: Status-Specific Types of Internet Usage », Social Science Quarterly, 90(2), p. 74-291.

DOSSIER
CNIL (n.d.). Qu’est-ce qu’une donnée sensible ? Repéré août 27, 2016, http://www.cil.cnrs.fr/CIL/spip.php?rubrique300

CNIL (2013, novembre), « Vie privée à l’horizon 2020. Parole d’experts », Cahiers Innovation & Prospective, n°01, https://www.cnil.fr/sites/default/files/typo/document/CNIL-CAHIERS_IPn1.pdf.
CNIL (2016, juin 15). Règlement européen sur la protection des données : ce qui change pour les professionnels. Repéré à : https://www.cnil.fr/fr/reglement-europeen-sur-la-protection-desdonnees-ce-qui-change-pour-les-professionnels.
CNIL, Pack de conformité. Les compteurs communicants.

Postdoctoral researcher – Munich Center for Technology in Society

The Innovation, Society and Public Policy (ISPP) research group at the Munich Center for Technology in Society (MCTS) is inviting applications for the following position to be filled immediately:

Postdoctoral researcher (TV-L E13, 100%, 2+1 years, fixed term)

About us

ISPP investigates the practices, politics, knowledge structures, and economic processes underwriting today’s innovation-driven societies. We examine current phenomena at both the level of public policy (e.g. national and regional innovation strategies, sustainability transitions, test beds) and concrete technologies (e.g. electric mobility, neuroscience, robotics, food innovation). Across a range of domains and projects, we are committed to a strong co-productionist approach that treats technoscientific and societal changes as essentially interrelated and co-evolving.

Our research group brings together perspectives from science and technology studies (STS), political science, sociology, public policy, management, and anthropology to study cultural, political, and economic dynamics that shape, and are being shaped by, innovation. Among the questions that drive research in our group are: How do understandings and practices of innovation differ across technological domains, regions, and cultures? How do governments and institutions go about building capacities in innovation? How do societies envision their future and express social values through projects of science and technology? How do science and innovation play out in international and collaborative settings? How can we govern science, technology innovation responsibly, sustainably, deliberatively, and inclusively?

ISPP is currently leading several national and international research projects (besides a range of individual projects), including “Regional Innovation Cultures” (DFG), “Cultivating Engagement” (EIT Food), “Technoscientific Constitutionalism” (DFG/NSF), and the EU-H2020 consortium SCALINGS (“Scaling Up Co-creation? Avenues and Limits for Including Society in Science and Innovation), coordinated by ISPP.

Job description

Ÿ  Conduct independent STS research projects (of your choice) compatible with the research group’s general areas of interest and ongoing projects;

Ÿ  Publish with recognized international journals and book publishers, including the option to co-author papers with other senior group members;

Ÿ  Apply for competitive and internationally oriented research grants;

Ÿ  Teach graduate-level courses in STS (1-2 per semester);

Ÿ  Supervise Master’s students at TU Munich and mentor PhD candidates in the research group;

Ÿ  Design and organize international workshops and conferences;

Ÿ  A central role in supporting the work of the research group on an administrative level;

Ÿ  Active engagement at MCTS and in the national and international STS community.

Profile

Ÿ  Completed/submitted dissertation in Science and Technology Studies (STS), (Qualitative) Policy Studies, Innovation Studies, Sociology, Political Science or other field, presuming that they can demonstrate an equivalent level of qualification and subject-specific expertise;

Ÿ  Broad knowledge of the topics, theories and methods of STS;

Ÿ  A distinct research profile in STS or related fields (demonstrated through publications and previous teaching) compatible with the ISPP research profile and interests;

Ÿ  Experience in designing and conducting independent empirical research projects, using qualitative methods;

Ÿ  Knowledge of co-productionist and comparative approaches in STS are a strong advantage;

Ÿ  Experiences in (co-)supervising student theses are an advantage;

Ÿ  International experience is an advantage;

Ÿ  Excellent command of the English language and ability to write for different audiences (STS journals, broader academic audiences, policy-makers);

Ÿ  Strong inclination to work in a team-oriented environment.

About MCTS

The Munich Center for Technology in Society (MCTS) is the largest STS center in the German-speaking countries. MCTS offers you an excellent, inspiring, and international research environment at one of Europe’s eminent technical universities where you will find many opportunities and support to develop your academic profile. As the latest addition to TU Munich’s vibrant academic and entrepreneurial community, MCTS is a trans-disciplinary STS center launched in 2015 as part of Excellence Initiative by the German Federal Government. MCTS’ mission is premised on the insight that today’s grand challenges are thoroughly sociotechnical in nature and that excellence in science and engineering requires coequal excellence in addressing associated questions in the social, political, legal, historical, and ethical domain. The MCTS community includes STS researchers from the social sciences, humanities, the natural sciences, engineering, and architecture, and is committed to multi-faceted forms of dialogue across both expert communities and various publics.

Find out more about the MCTS and ISPP online.

Application

Please submit your application as a single pdf document, including the following parts (in this order):

Ÿ  Your CV, including a list of publications and presentations;

Ÿ  A letter of motivation that describes your research profile, your research plans for the next years and expectations regarding your intellectual trajectory, your broader interests, and how your work relates to the research group’s overall interests (max. 1000 words);

Ÿ  1-3 writing samples (e.g. a chapter of your PhD thesis, a publication, or a submitted manuscript);

Ÿ  A syllabus of a course you would like to teach at MCTS (either based on your specific area of expertise or your personal version of an advanced introduction into “science, technology, and public policy”);

Ÿ  The names and contact details of three references, including a brief statement explaining your relationship;

Ÿ  Relevant transcripts and certificates (e.g. a copy of your Master’s or doctoral degree).

All application materials should be sent to application@mcts.tum.de, mentioning “ISPP Post-Doc” in the subject line.

The deadline for application is July 15, 2018. Earlier applications will be considered immediately.

Specific questions regarding the ISPP research profile and or this position should be addressed to Prof. Sebastian Pfotenhauer (sebastian.pfotenhauer@tum.de).

Senior Researcher in Renewable Energy and Climate Services in West Africa

 Senior Researcher

Renewable Energy and Climate Services in West Africa

 

Work context

The Center for Development Research (ZEF) is an interdisciplinary, international, English speaking research and education institute of the University of Bonn. The position is part of the ERA4CS project “Climate Information to support integrated Renewable Electricity Generation in West Africa (CIREG)” at the ZEF Department “Political and Cultural Change”. For more information, please see www.zef.de.

The research consortium for the CIREG project is led by the Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research (PIK). Other partners in the consortium are Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the West African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) and one industrial partner. The main objective is the development of climate-resilient and sustainable Renewable Energy Generation systems in the Volta and Niger River Basins (Ghana, Burkina Faso, Togo and Niger) jointly by scientists and West African stakeholders.

Expectation

  • Contributing expertise and research to the CIREG project
  • Administrative support of the project coordinator at ZEF
  • Conduct empirical field research in West Africa (locations to be determined with the CIREG consortium): collection and analysis of social-economic baseline data, ethnographic case studies, survey among local entrepreneurs and quantitative data analysis
  • Writing and publication of scientific project reports, ZEF Working Papers, peer-reviewed journal articles
  • Active participation in activities of the ZEF department “Political and Cultural Change”
  • Active participation in ZEF thematic group “Water, food and energy”

Contract: The appointment will start as soon as possible after the final selection (probably July 1st 2018) and lasts 19 months. Part-time contracts may be considered, but the preference will go to applicants who are available full time. The university offers a remuneration package that follows the tariff system for public employees (TVL-West 13/1-2, gross annual salary: 45.900-50.945 Euro) depending on individual work experience. The duty station is Bonn where full time presence is required. During the contract period, three to four months will be spent in West Africa to conduct empirical data collection.

Requirements

  • Master degree in a social science discipline
  • Expertise in social development studies with a focus on energy/ renewable energy
  • Expertise and work experience in empirical qualitative research
  • Research experience in Africa or in the Global South
  • Very good oral and written communication skills in English and French; good knowledge of written German
  • Ability and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary, multicultural environment, and to work in West Africa for three to four months
  • High degree of initiative and self‐motivation

Additional selection criteria

  • Interdisciplinary work experience
  • Very good administrative skills
  • First hand work experience with SPSS data analysis

Applications: Eligible candidates are invited to send their e-mail application including

  • Letter of motivation
  • Curriculum Vitae & list of publications
  • A proposal of methods for data collection and analysis (max 1.5 pages)

Please send your application (one pdf document) to Dr. Roberto Cantoni at rcantoni@uni-bonn.de.

Closing date is May 31, 2018. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

The University of Bonn is an equal opportunity employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for female scientists and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Women and disabled persons with equivalent aptitude for the position will be favoured.