PhD position: Science communication in times of crisis

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!

Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 1 

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-about/climate-research-in-dialogue), COALESCE, Schurende theaterdialogen, and Netwerk Wetenschap in Dialoog, among others.

• 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.

A challenging position in a socially involved organisation. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,770 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,539 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant 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.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment,
• 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.

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 31,000 students. We employ over 5,000 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means working together with students, PhD candidates and scientists who are focused on their discipline, yet also have a broad view of the world. We are proud of the collegial working environment within the faculty, which is characterised by an ambitious and pragmatic attitude with commitment to the bigger picture. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex social issues for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from genetics to pharmaceuticals and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research cover the full breadth of the natural sciences. Scientific teaching and research is highly experimental, technical, computational and interdisciplinary in nature. This is why we collaborate extensively with leading research institutes and industry. The faculty has over 11,000 students studying across 40 educational programmes and employs over 1,600 staff spread over 10 scientific departments, making us the largest science faculty in the Netherlands.

Athena Institute, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences
The position is offered within the Athena Institute, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences. The institute’s mission is to study and design interfaces between science and society to contribute both to a deeper understanding of innovation processes as well as a responsible implementation of research and innovation in society. Athena’s research program amongst other focusses on analysing complex global health challenges, designing interventions and conducting participatory monitoring and evaluation research. The section presently has a position vacant for a Postdoc/Lecturer.
For more information about the Athena Institute visit our website .

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until and including 

.

Submitting a diploma is part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Name: Assistant Prof. Willemine Willems
E-mail: [email protected]
No agencies