PhD position: Science communication in times of crisis

19 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

Research Field

Cultural studies

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

28 Jan 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Are you interested in the role of science and expertise in society? Are you motivated to develop ways to strenghten democracy when pressure on political decision making is high? Do you think communication plays a crucial role in the relation between science and society, but also in how and why citizens lose trust in current institutions? Are you looking for a Phd position that offers you the opportunity to research these issues in collaboration with an inspiring and interdisciplinary team of researchers and societal organisations? If yes, please, do not hesitate to apply!

The research project
Crisis makes democratic societies particularly vulnerable. In the face of a global disaster like COVID-19 and the looming climate crises, for example, the focus tends to shift from political questions, to prioritising scientific rationality. Scientific knowledge and expertise often get the upper hand in decision making and in political and public debate, while such knowledge is often highly complex and uncertain and it might take equally urgent political and societal questions out of view. While for many, these tendencies seem self-evident, there is strong reason to belief that repercussions for democracy can be serious.

Your duties
As a PhD researcher, you will establish a theoretical framework for evaluating science communication during crises by examining government communication, public discourse, and instances where researchers publicly share their work. You will also promote and investigate interventions aimed at countering the tendency towards overly technical or populist communication, particularly in the context of crisis-related science communication.
To these ends, you will:

• Conduct a systematic literature review of how (science) communication in crisis situations is conceptualised in scholarly and policy literatures, grey literature, handbooks, etc.
• Based on (2), develop a constructivist conception of (science) communication in times of crisis, using methods of public value mapping and issue framing analysis, amongst others.
• Connect science communication in crisis situations to scholarly debates about democratic innovations and political theory, using a range of democratic theories (deliberative, agonist, transformative).
• Develop methods for studying and practising constructive communication in times of crises that do justice to a wide diversity of values, interests, and concerns.
• You will be involved in existing research projects and new projects that address issues pertaining to climate research in dialogue (NWA & ASI funded, https://vu.nl/en/about-vu/researchinstitutes/athena-institute/more-abou… ), COALESCE, Schurende theaterdialogen, and Netwerk Wetenschap in Dialoog, among others.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• We are looking for a candidate who is able to take a broad perspective on problems, interacts effectively with people across the political spectrum, and asks original research questions.
• At the time of application, you must hold a university masters’ degree in science and technology studies (STS), communication sciences, or a related field, such as political sciences, anthropology, sociology, etc.
• You must have practical and proven experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., ethnography, interviews and/or focus groups) and participatory research approaches; and an affinity with environmental and public health governance.
• You are able to work independently and as part of a team.
• You have good organisational, communication and listening skills.
• You have a strong research record, excellent writing skills and presentation skills.
• A strong command of the English and Dutch language is essential.

Additional Information
Benefits

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• A salary of minimum € 2.770,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.539,00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• A position for at least 1 FTE. This appointment is for 4 years, with a division of duties as follows: 85% research - 15% education. The trial period is 12 months.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Solid pension scheme (ABP).
• Possibility to save holiday hours, for sabbatical leave.
• Child daycare facilities available on campus.

Additional comments

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/336799/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1081HV

Street

De Boelelaan 1085

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/336799/phd-position-science-communication-i…

Contact

City

Amsterdam

Website

http://www.vu.nl/

Street

De Boelelaan 1105

Postal Code

1081 HV

STATUS: EXPIRED