Postdoctoral Position in Science, Technology and Society (STS)
IT · Full-time
Zürich, Switzerland
Postdoctoral Position in Science, Technology and Society (STS)
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Ethics, Technology and Society research group in the department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS), led by Prof. Dr. Margarita Boenig-Liptsin, is inviting applications for a Post-doctoral researcher in Science, Technology and Society (STS).
The fulltime position is limited to two years, with possibility of extension, and is paid according to the fixed salary rates of ETH Zurich. This position is intended for researchers who have completed their PhD in January 2027 at the latest or within the last 2 years.
Research in the Ethics, Technology and Society group is on the mutual interplay of science, technology and society using frameworks and methods from Science, Technology & Society (STS), history, philosophy, anthropology, critical theory, and the arts. We privilege interpretive, qualitative methods that combine situated ethnographic detail with deep knowledge of cultural and political contexts and histories, ideally in a cross-national comparative perspective. You can learn more about the research of the group on its website.
Project background
The successful candidate for the Post-doctoral researcher position is expected to develop empirical research (ethnographic field work, document and policy analysis, historical research) with youth, parent and guardian groups who move to understand and respond to the impacts of digital technologies on children and young adults in Switzerland and Europe. The candidate will develop their research within the framework of the SNSF-funded research project States of Anxiety: Expertise and Activism in Digital and Ecological Environments. The candidate will work closely with the PI and Senior Scientific Assistant to develop the project’s framework, empirical sites, and contribute to its deliverables.
We are in particular looking for candidates who have interest and experience with STS and humanities pedagogy, and cross-cutting analysis between environmental and digital domains. We are also interested in candidates who value engaging publicly on topics of the ethical, social, and political aspects of science and technology, within the university, in communities of the city and canton of Zurich, and in dialogue with diverse social actors.
Job description
- Perform qualitative social science (STS) research in the above-mentioned area in fulfillment of the research project, States of Anxiety: Expertise and Activism in Digital and Ecological Environments
- Work towards publications in recognized international journals, including co-authored papers with other group members
- Engage on topics of ethical, social, and political aspects of digital technologies within the ETH Public Policy School, the university, Zürich civil society, activist groups, and wider publics
- Participate regularly in the events of the Ethics, Technology and Society research group and support the work of the group, including the organization of meetings, project maintenance, planning of project events, workshops, conferences
- Actively engage with professors, students, and researchers at the D-GESS department, ETH Zürich, and in the Swiss and international STS community
- (Co-)Develop and (co-)teach MA level and Bachelor level courses in the Science in Perspective Program , in accordance with project outputs
Profile
Essential experience, skills and characteristics:
- Completed PhD latest by January 2027 or have completed within the last 2 years a dissertation in Science, Technology and Society (STS) or a related field, e.g. History and/or Philosophy of Science and/or Technology, Anthropology, Geography, Law, (Qualitative) Policy Studies, Innovation Studies, Sociology, Political Science. Interested candidates with a PhD in engineering or science who have extensive training and research experience in STS are also encouraged to apply
- A distinct research profile in STS or related fields that is demonstrated through publications and/or teaching in areas relevant to the project
- Interest and experience in STS and humanities pedagogy and in science-society interfaces
- Broad knowledge of the topics, theories and methods of STS
- Proficiency in English, and in French or German
Desirable criteria:
- Knowledge of co-productionist and comparative approaches in STS
- International experience
- Strong inclination to work in a team-oriented environment
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
- You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
We value diversity and sustainability
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- CV
- List of publications
- A letter of motivation that describes your research profile, your methodology, and future goals (max 2 pages)
- A statement highlighting 1) research and experience relevant to the “States of Anxiety” research project and 2) how you see your role as a social scientist in conversation with current social and political debates (max 1 page).
- 1-2 writing samples (e.g. a chapter of your PhD thesis, a publication, or an article-in-progress)
- The names and contact details of up to three references. Letters of recommendation will be solicited from short-listed candidates.
- Relevant transcripts and certificates (e.g. transcripts from graduate study; a scan of your MA and PhD degree)
Further information about the Professorship for Ethics, Technology and Society can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Gabriel Dorthe, gabriel.dorthe@gess.ethz.ch (no applications).
Applications are due on Monday, December 7, 2026.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.