[Applications closed] Two PhD Candidates – Social Studies of Controversies in Nanobiology at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands)
Applications for this position are now closed.
You are invited to apply for two PhD positions within the “NanoBubbles” project. We are looking for two PhD Candidates who will investigate one of two projects concerning controversies about error correction and scientific promising, novelty claims and discursive reframing of novelty in nanobiology. The project is funded by an ERC Synergy grant awarded to a consortium led by four co-principal investigators at universities in France and the Netherlands; the Radboud University co-PI is Willem Halffman.
Key information
- Employment: 0.8 – 1.0 FTE
- Employer: Institute for Science in Society at Radboud University, Nijmegen (Netherlands)
- Start date: January 1, 2022
- Gross monthly salary: € 2,434 – € 3,111
- Required background: Research University Degree
- Application deadline: 15 November 2021
- Click here to apply
DESCRIPTION
Research project
The NanoBubbles ERC Synergy project’s objective is to understand how, when and why science fails to correct itself. The project’s focus is claims made within the field of nanobiology. Project members combine approaches from the natural sciences, computer science, and the social sciences and humanities (Science and Technology Studies) to understand how error correction in science works and what obstacles it faces. For this purpose, we aim to trace claims and corrections through various channels of scientific communication (journals, social media, advertisements, conference programs, etc.) via both qualitative and digital methods.
First PhD vacancy
Your contribution to the overall project will be a qualitative social science study of two related controversies in nanobiology concerning the permeability of cell membranes and the blood/brain barrier to novel nanoparticles. This project will study the development of the controversy, with a particular focus on error claims and correction attempts, the response to these claims and corrections, and the continuation of research trajectories based on challenged assumptions. Methodologically, the project will rely on qualitative interviews and documentary analysis, but informed by scientometric information gathered in associated projects.
Second PhD vacancy
Your contribution to the overall project will be a qualitative social science study of scientific promising, novelty claims and discursive reframing of novelty in nanobiology. The project will rely on interviews and documentary analysis from a wide range of sources (scientific, policy, media) to study how novelty claims made in the literature are connected to the mobilisation of research resources. This project can also build on systematic bibliometric studies developed by scientometricians and data scientists working in associated research projects.
REQUIREMENTS
Background
- You have a Master’s degree in social science, science and technology studies, philosophy of science, or a related field, preferably combined with some natural science background, or will obtain this degree shortly.
- You have affinity with meta-questions about science, connecting the practical organisation of science with the epistemology and ethics of science.
- You feel comfortable with highly interdisciplinary work and can get acquainted efficiently with unfamiliar research.
- You have excellent writing and communication skills in academic English.
- You are well-organised, have an analytical mindset, and are committed to working at the forefront of science in a dynamic, international research team.
- Letter of motivation.
- CV including a description of previous research experience and the names and contact details of at least two references.
- Transcript of records of your Bachelor and Master studies, including grades.
- A sample of your writing.
The first round of interviews will take place on Monday 22 November. The second round will take place on Friday 26 November.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
What we have to offer
- Employment for 0.8 (5 year contract) -1.0 FTE (4 year contract).
- The gross starting salary amounts to €2,434 per month based on a 38-hour working week and will increase to €3,111 from the fourth year onwards.
- You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
- You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract) or 3.5 years (5-year contract in case you work part-time).
- You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services.
- Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.
EMPLOYER
Radboud University
This institution wants to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!
Institute for Science in Society (ISiS)
ISiS is an interdisciplinary research institute within the Faculty of Science, with the aim to encourage the societal and philosophical reflection on science through dialogue and collaboration between the various research institutes of the faculty. Its mission is to analyse, assess and improve the societal embedding of new developments in science and technology, through research, education and outreach; and to understand how society is shaping science and vice versa. You will also be part of the NanoBubbles team, with affiliated research groups in Paris, Grenoble, Toulouse, and Maastricht.
For questions about the position, please contact Willem Halffman, Associate Professor at +31 24 365 25 79 or w.halffman@science.ru.nl.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Further information on the positions and the project is available here.
For questions about the position, please contact Willem Halffman, Associate Professor at +31 24 365 25 79 or w.halffman@science.ru.nl.
OpenEdition suggests that you cite this post as follows:
ztoure (October 11, 2021). [Applications closed] Two PhD Candidates – Social Studies of Controversies in Nanobiology at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands). NanoBubbles . Retrieved February 13, 2025 from https://doi.org/10.58079/rqvv