Post doctor

Up to two postdoctoral positions in the ERC-funded project ENDINGS

Lund University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Sociology

The Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lund University will employ up to two postdoctoral fellows for three years starting from 1 March 2025.

Context of positions

The postdoc positions are part of the project ENDINGS – Towards a theory of endings in innovation studies funded by an ERC Starting Grant (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101042247).

The project aims to introduce questions of endings, e.g. in the form of deinstitutionalization, discontinuation, decline, dissolution, decay, etc. into the study of socio-technical change and broader societal transitions. We are particularly interested in exploring knowledge dynamics in different kinds of industries by a) differentiating between different kinds of knowledge and their prevalence in certain industries; b) specifying the ways in which knowledges are maintained and reproduced; c) identify the mechanisms that lead to the erosion and extinction of knowledges. Empirical work is envisioned to cover cross-sectoral and cross-national comparisons, e.g. of industries with different knowledge bases such as energy, ICT and crafts in distinct geographical contexts like Germany, UK, or Sweden. Both, qualitative and quantitative methodologies are welcome.

Duties and role description

The position entails 100% research time. Teaching opportunities up to 20% can be discussed at the request of the candidates. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

• Design and conduct empirical research in collaboration with the PI. While the project outlines the general direction and research questions, creative ideas for research design and methodological approaches are very welcome.
• Collaborate with the project team to produce high-impact publications
• Disseminate findings through conferences, peer-reviewed journals, and stakeholder engagement activities

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for employment under this agreement, a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree is required.

This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the time of the employment decision. To be eligible for employment under this agreement, candidates should primarily have obtained a doctoral degree as referred to in the first paragraph of this article not more than three years previously. For the purpose of calculating the three-year framework period, the starting point is the deadline for applications. Additional requirements:

• Oral and written proficiency in English demonstrated by scientific publications in English

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Evidence of research productivity, including publications in peer-reviewed journals, reports, and conference presentations.
• Documented experience of empirical research of topics relevant to ENDINGS
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a project team and engage with the broader academic community

Additional meritorious competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to conduct cross-cultural empirical research in different countries and/or industries

Consideration will also be given to an applicant’s ambition, drive and independence, and how their experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing and future research within the project group.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time employment of three years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow” between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S. The appointment is expected to take place in the first half of 2025.

Application procedure

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• Letter of motivation
• CV, Academic and professional background, detailing relevant experience
• List of publications
• Research proposal, outlining a potential project to be conducted in the context of ENDINGS during the postdoc (max. 3000 words)
• contact information of at least two references

Documentation and certificates on previous education, previous work experience, abilities, is required.

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