Research Position in the SFB TRR 318

Universität Bielefeld; Bielefeld; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Bielefeld is seeking a full-time Research Position in the field of sociology. The role involves conducting interdisciplinary research, collaborating within a research center, and publishing findings. Qualified candidates should have a Master’s degree in Sociology and a strong analytical mindset, with a focus on ethnographic studies and communication.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

Health and consulting services

Internal and external training opportunities

Supplementary company pension

Collegial working environment

Qualifikationen

• Practical experience in ethnographic research and communication studies.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of sociology, media studies, and data science.
• Independent and committed working style.

Aufgaben

• Conduct interdisciplinary research in constructive explanation.
• Collaborate in the activities of the Collaborative Research Centre.
• Prepare publications and present results.

Kenntnisse

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Good command of English

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in Sociology or equivalent

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

TheCITEC (Center for Cognitive Interaction Technology) has the following job opening in the SFB TRR 318 [subproject B01]: Research Position in the SFB TRR 318 ID: Wiss25266.

• starting: 01.01.2026
• fulltime
• salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term

The transregional collaborative research center (TRR) “Constructing Explainability” funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) at the Universities of Paderborn and Bielefeld, deals with explainable and explanatory artificial intelligence. The central hypothesis of the TRR is that explanations should be co-constructed by dialogue partners so that humans can make confident and informed decisions when interacting with intelligent systems. The TRR aims to contribute basic research in co-constructive explanation processes and their mechanisms, explanation as a socio-technical phenomenon, and computational representations of the dynamics of co-constructive explanation. The goal of the second funding phase is to develop more flexible, personalized, proactive explanation systems (sXAI) that take social and situational context into account when adapting their explanatory behavior.

The goal of project B01 is to investigate the ecological validity of a dialogue-based approach to provide ML explanations in a real-world setting. Project B01 locates the explanations delivered by machine learning models in the broader context of explanatory needs and ongoing explanatory communications in organizations. The research combines sociological analysis of contextual settings and user interactions with computer science methods to create a modular, multi-agent architecture that adapts dynamically to users’ needs.

The position will be filled subject to project approval.

Your Tasks

• research activities (95 %):
  • interdisciplinary research in the field of constructive explanation
  • collaboration in the activities of the Collaborative Research Centre
  • publications and presentation of result
• self-administration as required and organisation of conferences and workshops (5 %)

Employment is conducive to academic qualification. We offer

Employment and Benefits

• salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term (limited until 30.06.2029 - end of project) (§ 2 (1) sentence 1 of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
• fulltime

• internal and external training opportunities
• variety of health, consulting and prevention services
• reconcilability of family and work
• flexible working hours
• good transport connection
• supplementary company pension
• collegial working environment
• open and pleasant working atmosphere
• exciting, varied tasks
• modern workenvironment with digital processes
• various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)

Your Profile

• scientific university degree (e. g. Master’s or equivalent) in the field of sociology
• practical experience and theoretical knowledge in ethnographic research and communication studies
• interest and passion for interdisciplinary research at the interface of sociology, media studies and data science
• good command of English (oral and written)
• analytical skills and scientific mindset
• independent, self-reliant and committed way of working
• ability to work in a team

Preferred experience and skills

• previous knowledge of sociological systems theory
• experience with the conception and realisation of ethnographic studies

Application Procedure

We are looking forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.

Application deadline: 13.10.2025

Contact

Prof. Dr. Elena Esposito
[phone]
[e-mail]

Postal Address

Universität Bielefeld
Fakultät für Soziologie
Prof. Dr. Elena Esposito
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld

Bielefeld University has received a number of awards for its achievements as an equal-opportunity employer and has been recognized as a family-friendly university. The university welcomes applications from women. This is particularly true with regard to academic and technical posts as well as positions in information technology as well as the skilled crafts and trades. Applications are handled according to the provisions of the state statutes on equal opportunity. Applications from suitably qualified handicapped and severely handicapped persons are explicitly encouraged. At Bielefeld University, on request, positions can be carried out with reduced working hours as long as this does not conflict with official needs.