Research Assistant: Societal Acceptance of Drones in Urban Switzerland

Digital Society Initiative DSI
Research Assistant: Societal Acceptance of Drones in Urban Switzerland
20-30 %
The “Societal Acceptance of Drones in Urban Switzerland (SADUS )” is a new research project at the UZH Digital Society Initiative (DSI). In this project, DSI researchers aim to develop evidence-based knowledge around the prevailing perceptions about, and the divergent attitudes toward, urban use of drones, to raise awareness of the ethical and social implications related to the deployment of high-impact technologies more broadly.
This project is a collaboration between UZH and University of Geneva (UNIGE). It sets out to examine the ethical risks associated with urban use of drones, the regulatory frameworks within which they operate, and the societal acceptance of their deployment at scale, in the Swiss context. The project is funded by the UZH Strategic Partnership Program , alongside the DSI and the UZH Alumni Fund.
As part of this exciting new project, you will be fully engaged in and directly contribute to the research work, which will result in scientific publications. You will also have access to the scientific resources of the two universities, including supervision and other ongoing scholarly activities. The position is planned initially for 6-8 months on a 20-30% basis, with the possibility of extension subject to the quality of your work.
Your Responsibilities
Your work and deliverables will include:

• In-depth research of academic and grey literature related to the research topic
• Empirical fieldwork involving qualitative interviews (in Zurich & Geneva)
• Development of draft papers for publication

Your Profile
We are looking for candidates with a high degree of academic competence. You are independent and able to communicate effectively in English (excellent written and oral level). If you are bilingual in German and/or French, you will be ranked high in our shortlist. English however will be the working language within the research team and with diverse project partners (scientists, industry members, government officials, among others). Generally, we expect team spirit, commitment and pleasure in working in science and research; as well as fluency in English and very good command in French and/or German.
Required skills:

• Academic qualifications in related disciplines (minimum Master's degree), including social sciences and humanities, with at least one year's experience in academia.
• Experience in conducting literature reviews, preferably with already published work.
• Experience in empirical work, especially qualitative research methods with respect to data collection and data analysis.

Preferred skills:

• Experience in new and emerging technology, such as robotics, autonomous systems, and AI (even better drones!)

Desired skills:

• Experience in interdisciplinary research
• Experience with stakeholder-oriented approach
• Multi-lingual background and insights on the unique cultural diversity of Switzerland

What we Offer
We offer an exciting project, a highly dynamic and inspiring working environment, accesses to expertise at two leading Swiss universities, exposures to a diverse group of subject matter experts, and plenty of opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange and further engagement in our ongoing and upcoming projects. Diversity and inclusion are important to us!
We also offer competitive employment conditions at UZH and UNIGE. Salary will be according to relevant HR regulations (depending on the experience of the candidate). The duration and percentage of the contract is flexible, between 6-8 months on a 20-30% basis.
Start of Employment
Employment will start in July 2022 or upon mutual agreement. Selection of applicants will start on 1 June 2022 and continue until the position is filled.
Please provide the following documents in one single pdf file when applying for the position:

• CV (include complete list of publications, max 3 pages)
• Cover letter (indicating your motivation, experience and skills you could bring to the project, max 2 pages)
• Academic diplomas

Please send all material to Dr. Ning Wang ([email protected] ) and Joelle Gentile ([email protected] ).
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