The two scholars will carry out research on the history of standardization and the implementation of standards in the field of radiation protection and will be based at the Chair of Science, Technology and Gender Studies.

The first postdoctoral fellow will be in charge of the project’s case study 3a: Standardization. The IAEA, functioning historically as a global metrological and regulatory institution, created standards on radiation protection as part of a complex global network of nuclear science, political activities, rules, and hierarchies. Some of the possible issues that the postdoctoral fellow is expected to research are:

- the role of important actors (i.e., Lauriston Taylor and Rolf Sievert) in the early history of radiation protection
- the history of radiation dosimetry after the Second World War
- IAEA’s decision to adopt a new metrological system in the mid-1960s
- IAEA’s network of Primary and Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratories (PSDL and SSDL) across the globe
- The relations between IAEA and other regulatory institutions in the field of radiation protection

The second postdoctoral fellow will be in charge of the project’s case study 3b: Implementation of standards. The standardization process requires a tremendous amount of human labor since this includes not only the creation but also the implementation of standards. Thus, it is difficult to ignore, for example, the gender profile of those at work. It is indicative that the calibration and standardization of nuclear medical technologies have relied on the network of standard laboratories and the IAEA’s dosimetry lab, all heavily occupied—at least during the early days—by male scientists. Also, the human network of medical radiation workers who have historically operated the standardized technologies are in their majority women. The gender dimension of the implementation of radiation standards is of interest here. Yet, the specific design of the research project will depend on the candidate’s academic profile and will be developed together with the project leader.

The successful applicants are expected to contribute to publications; perform archival research related to their topic and process archival data; conduct interviews with key actors for their projects; contribute to administrative issues related to their own research (reporting, etc.); contribute to the dissemination activities of the project by posting to social media, the project’s website etc.; contribute to the cross-cutting research agenda of the HRP-IAEA project as a whole and its exhibition(s) on the history of radiation protection; participate in international conferences and the project’s events.

Qualification requirements:

- PhD or equivalent academic qualifications with a specialization in areas such as history and philosophy of science and technology, science and technology studies, gender science studies (or other related fields)
- Excellent English writing skills and good English oral communications skills
- Demonstrated experience in conducting archival research and interviews
- Personal suitability and motivation for the position
- Prior experience of working in a team

The applicants must have handed in their PhD thesis before the closing date. Appointment depends on successful thesis defense.

In the evaluation of the applications, emphasis will be placed on:

- The scientific merit and relevance of the research statement
- Ability to carry out the designated responsibilities and deliver results in a timely manner within the project
- Familiarity with relevant theories and empirical contexts
- Analytical skills
- Experience with academic publishing
- Good co-operative skills, and the ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines

We offer

- Salary on the level of E13 TV-L (depending on qualifications), full time 100 percent - HRP-IAEA (24 months each)
- A professionally stimulating working environment
- The starting date is 1 January 2022

How to apply

Applicants must submit the following attachments in a single PDF:

- Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position
- Curriculum Vitae with grades listed (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience, and other qualifying activities)
- List of publications
- A research statement in English of approximately 3.000 words. The statement should address the following questions: (1) Why does the project HRP-IAEA appeal to you? (2) How will you draw upon your disciplinary and theoretical background and previous research experience when working on the project? (3) How will you approach your case study?
- One writing sample
- Contact information for two academic references (no letters of recommendation)

The short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview in early November 2022.

Please submit your application electronically to:

Ms Day-See Riechmann
Secretary
Chair of Science, Technology and Gender Studies
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Theology
Bismarckstraße 6
91054 Erlangen
Germany
E-Mail: stgs@fau.de

Deadline: November 4, 2021

The following applies to all job advertisements: The Friedrich Alexander University promotes professional equality for women. Women are therefore expressly invited to apply.

Severely handicapped people within the meaning of the Severely Handicapped Act will be given preference if the advertised position is suitable for severely handicapped people with the same professional qualifications and personal suitability. Details can be found in the respective advertisement under the point "Comments".

If the applicant so wishes, the equal opportunities officer can be called in for the interview without the applicant incurring any disadvantages.

Advertised positions are generally eligible for part-time work, unless otherwise indicated in the advertisement text.