The Professorship of Science & Technology Policy (Prof. Dr. Ruth Müller),
based at the Munich Center for Technology in Society (MCTS) and affiliated
with the School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, announces
an *open position for a doctoral researcher in Science & Technology Studies
(STS) *(TV-L E13, 65%, 3 years, fixed term) as part of the project
“Plastics – Publics – Politics”. The position is available immediately and
should be filled as soon as possible.

*About us*

The professorship & research group “Science & Technology Policy” at MCTS
explores the complex nexus of technoscience and policy, with a specific
focus on the relationships between the life sciences, society, and policy.
The group is based at the MCTS, a cross-faculty integrative research center
in Science and Technology Studies (STS), and is affiliated with the School
of Life Sciences.

*About the research project *

The project “Plastics – Publics – Politics” is part of transdisciplinary
research consortium “SubμTrack” (funded by the German BMBF), which explores
the toxicological, ecological, social, and political aspects of the growing
presence of small plastic particles in human environments and bodies. The
project will study how different publics perceive and relate to small
plastic particles as a part of human environments and will explore
opportunities for social and political action in the face of potentially
significant ecological and health effects. The project will employ
qualitative social science research methods such as media analysis,
interviews with citizen-activists, and focus groups. The project will
further foster public dialogue and stakeholder engagement.

*Your tasks as a doctoral researcher*

As a doctoral researcher, you will work on the project with your
supervisor, Prof. Dr. Ruth Müller. You will be part of the Science &
Technology Policy research group at the MCTS, a collaboratively oriented
research group. You will interact with the “SubμTrack” consortium partners,
who come from a range of different academic disciplines and public and
private organizations. You will develop an innovative research question for
you PhD thesis as part of the project, together with your supervisor. You
will regularly meet with your supervisor to discuss and support the
progress of your thesis. Beyond the group, you will be part of an inspiring
and lively STS research community at the MCTS. You will actively
participate in the academic life at the center, present your work at
international academic meetings, gain initial experiences in teaching and
academic publication, and assist in the organization of academic events and
other activities of the group. As a PhD student, you will be enrolled in
the TUM Graduate School, which provides a structured PhD program and offers
a rich program of courses in academic and transferable skills.

*Who can apply?*

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in the social sciences,
humanities, or the life sciences. Familiarity with STS and experience with
social science research methods is desirable. You should be interested in
working across the disciplines and in engaging with other knowledge
cultures. You should be capable of and interested in working both as part
of a team and independently. Good communication skills in English are
essential for the academic life at the center. Due to the nature of the
project, good German language skills are essential, too. We are looking for
inspired and inspiring new talents who want to work in and contribute to an
exciting, interdisciplinary STS research environment.

*Application documents*

Your complete application documents must include your CV, your Master’s
degree certificate, a letter of motivation (max. 2 pages), 1-2 writing
samples (e.g. thesis chapters), and names and contact details of 2
references, including a brief statement explaining your relationship to
each of the named references.

*Interested? *

Please send your *complete application* as a single pdf document to *assistants.stp@mcts.tum.de
<assistants.stp@mcts.tum.de>*. We will accept and review all applications
received up until and including *Tuesday, October 10, 2017*. However, as
the position shall be filled as soon as possible, we will be reviewing
application as we receive them and encourage early application.

We are committed to raising the number of women in research and teaching.
Female researchers are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants with
disabilities are treated with preference given comparable qualification.

If you have questions about the application procedure, please contact *assistants.stp@mcts.tum.de
<assistants.stp@mcts.tum.de>. *If you have content-related questions,
please contact *ruth.mueller@tum.de <ruth.mueller@tum.de>*.