[AISWorld] POSITION: Research Group Leader “Digitalization, Sustainability, Inclusion, and Participation” in Berlin

[Hanna Krasnova]

Research Group Leader “Digitalization, Sustainability, Inclusion, and Participation”

The Weizenbaum Institute invites scholars to apply for the position of Research Group Leader “Digitalization, Sustainability, Inclusion, and Participation”. The expected start date of this full-time position (39 hours per week) is September 15, 2022. 

The Weizenbaum Institute conducts interdisciplinary and basic research on the transformation of society through digitalisation, developing possible approaches and strategies for policymakers, businesses, and civil society. The institute’s aim is to better understand the dynamics, mechanisms, and implications of digitalisation. To this end, the Weizenbaum Institute examines the ethical, legal, economic, and political aspects of the digital transformation. Its guiding values comprise self-determination and sustainability in the digital society. The Weizenbaum Institute is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Further information: www.weizenbaum-institut.de/en <http://www.weizenbaum-institut.de/en>

Responsibilities:

The Research Group Leader will develop the group’s interdisciplinary research program and be responsible for its implementation and evaluation - both conducting research him-/herself and guiding the other group members. The research program should focus on the relationship between digitalization and sustainability, with sustainability being understood as encompassing all three dimensions: environmental, social, and economic. In particular, the group is expected to contextualize environmental sustainability as well as participation and inclusion as social dimensions of sustainability. Research can focus on (a) direct and indirect impacts (rebound effects) of digitalisation on the environment and/or (b) the potentials of using digitalisation as a means to achieve sustainability goals. This should also include the analysis of inequalities in terms of access to and use of digital technologies as well as in terms of potential inequitable environmental effects. Because of frequent gaps in data quantity and quality, the exploration of new research methods and data sources is encouraged.

The group’s research program should explore and harness the potentials of collaborating with other units of the Weizenbaum Institute as well as with relevant research organizations in Germany and beyond. In addition to an excellent research track record, a strong commitment to the transfer of knowledge and research findings is expected, which should include outreach to policymakers, NGOs, industry, and other key stakeholders.

Requirements:

A completed PhD and a disciplinary background in economics, business/management studies, political science, communication science, sociology, psychology, information systems research, computer science, law, or a related field
Expertise in research on digitalisation, sustainability, and inclusion/participation, as evidenced by publications and/or prior professional experience
An outstanding research record with international visibility and top publications
Experience in interdisciplinary projects
Preferably proven leadership experience in research environments as well as project management experience
The Research Group Leader will be offered an initial contract over three years and an additional two years subject to funding approval. He/She will receive an annual budget of up to 200,000 € to cover junior researchers, student assistants, and research costs.

We offer:
An attractive working environment in the centre of Berlin in a dynamic academic environment with a broad international network
Flexible working hours and the possibility of working remotely
Remuneration up to TVöD (public service remuneration scale) E 14 (depending on qualification)
Company pension plan (VBL-U)
Individual career development through a wide range of training opportunities
Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification will be given preferential consideration. We value diversity and welcome all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, and sexual orientation. The Weizenbaum-Institut e.V. explicitly encourages women as well as persons with a migration background to apply.

The application must include a cover letter, a proposal of the planned research program including a description of the scientific focus and impact (2 pages), an implementation plan including an outline of potential risks and gains (1 page), a CV, a list of publications, and copies of the candidate’s three most important publications. Please submit your application by 6 June 2022, via our applicant portal. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our HR department (personal[at]weizenbaum-institut.de <http://weizenbaum-institut.de/>) at any time. We look forward to receiving your documents.

For more information please contact: https://www.weizenbaum-institut.de/en/news-en/forschungsgruppenleitung-digitalisierung-nachhaltigkeit-und-teilhabe-m-w-d/ <https://www.weizenbaum-institut.de/en/news-en/forschungsgruppenleitung-digitalisierung-nachhaltigkeit-und-teilhabe-m-w-d/>