The Department of Political, Historical, Religious and Cultural Studies

Sapere Aude—dare to be wise—is our motto. Our students and employees develop knowledge and expertise that enrich both people and the world around them. Our academic environment is characterised by curiosity, courage and perseverance. Gender equality, diversity and a democratic approach form the foundation of our organisation. We are located in an active and scenic region and we promote sustainable development in close collaboration with the wider society.
 
Karlstad University has a total of approximately 1,400 employees and 19,000 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika.
 
More information at: kau.se/en/work-with-us

Description of the position

The position as Postdoc is placed at the faculty of Humanities and Social Science, the Department of Department of Political, Historical, Religious and Cultural Studies, and the subject Political Science.

The aim with the position is to contribute to the emerging field of study on democratic and political implications of Artificial Intelligence in a broad sense, i.e. all forms of data-driven capacity-building – in society in general but especially regarding policies and practices of governance. Of special interest is the relations between public and private actors in how AI are controlled and implemented in the public sphere, as well as the effects of AI and data-driven governance for how a democratic political system is to be organised.

The position is one of eight positions within the research project Artificial Intelligence - Destroyer or Enabler of Democracy and Self-determination. Collaboration with other members of the research project is expected. In particular, the successful candidate will collaborate with and be supported by Professor Malin Rönnblom, a co-PI in the research project. The project is affiliated with the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanities and Society (WASP-HS). The program is initiated and generously funded by the Wallenberg Foundations. The vision of WASP-HS is to realise excellent research and competence on the ethical, economic, labor market, social and legal aspects of Artificial Intelligence. For more information about the research and other activities conducted within WASP-HS please visit www.wasp-hs.org.


Job description

The field of AI and democracy are to be studied both in relation to forms of governing, as well as from the perspective of democratic and political theory. In addition, the task is to develop how a critical lens of reflectivity could be brought into a simulation environment of democratic governing in collaboration with other disciplines. Output may include both single- and co-authored publications, some of which may be multi-disciplinary, involving collaboration with researchers in computer science and philosophy.

The postdoc is placed at Karlstad university and is expected to contribute to the local research environment by actively participating in the department's activities, such as research seminars and workshops. Administrative tasks related to research activities as well as teaching up to 20% will be required. Funds are available for conference travels etc.

Expected starting date is May 1st 2020, or as otherwise agreed.

Qualification requirements

Doctoral degree in either Political Science or equivalent is required. Candidates must have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. Exceptions to this three-year rule include absence due to illness, parental leave or clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade union organizations or similar circumstances.

Assessment criteria

Applicants are assessed by scientific merits and to some extent by quality and feasibility of a brief statement of research interests and ideas relevant for the position. Special weight will be given to applicants with published research within the fields of critical policy studies and post-structural analysis on governing and/or critical theory (including feminist theory and post-colonial theory) and/or critical studies of the implications of AI/big data/digitalization/social media for democracy and forms of governing. Previous experience of multi-disciplinary work is considered a merit but is not a requirement

Writing skills and oral communication skills in English, as well as good ability to work with others, are of special weight for this position.

Terms of employment

The position is normally full-time, fixed-term employment for two years according to central collective agreement. The employment can be extended if there are special reasons such as parental leave or illness. Starting date at the earliest convenience.
Employment is on condition that you have not been employed as a postdoc fellow under central agreement for more than one year in the same or closely related disciplinary area at the same institution of higher education/authority.

Application

Applicants are responsible for documenting and attaching qualifications in a way that allows for an objective and qualitative assessment of candidates, and for ensuring that the application is complete and well documented in accordance with the advertisement. An incomplete application may jeopardize a fair assessment of qualifications.

Application should include:

  • Letter of application, including brief description of the applicant and research interests in relation to the duties of the position ( max 2-3 pages)
  • CV with verified copies of transcripts, degree certificates, etc.
  • Copy of doctoral thesis and other relevant publications
  • Other documents submitted for consideration
  • Two references or letters of recommendation

Submit the application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool Varbi and attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not provide links to them). Three copies of books and publications that cannot be sent electronically should be sent to:

Karlstads universitet
Registrator
651 88 KARLSTAD
Sweden

State ref.no: REK2019/271

Application deadline: March 1, 2020

We look forward to your application!

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and decline any contacts from advertising or recruitment agencies.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment At the earliest convenience
Salary Monthly
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Karlstad
County Värmlands län
Country Sweden
Reference number REK2019/271
Contact
  • Malin Rönnblom, professor, malin.ronnblom@kau.se / 054-700 1000 (Switchboard)
Union representative
  • Thomas Bragefors, SACO, 054-700 1714
  • Tony Ingemarsson, OFR , 054-700 1404
  • Denita Gustavsson, OFR, 054-700 1434
Published 16.Jan.2020
Last application date 01.Mar.2020 11:59 PM CET

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