Post-doctoral Researcher (M/F), AI and society (governance, geopolitics, social issues)

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A postdoctoral researcher position at the Centre Internet et Société in Paris focusing on the socio-political implications of artificial intelligence technologies. The role involves conducting research, publishing findings, and contributing to interdisciplinary discussions on digital governance. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in social sciences or computer science, with strong research methods and data analysis skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in field research and demonstrated previous research activity.
• Proficiency in various research methods including questionnaires and interviews.

Responsabilités

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses on AI technologies.
• Publish research and contribute to scientific publications.
• Participate in organizing conferences and research seminars.

Connaissances

Research Methods

Data Analysis

Fluency in English

Public Speaking

Formation

PhD in Social Sciences

PhD in Computer Science

Description du poste

Sociology » Social shaping of technology

History » History of science

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Centre Internet et Société Research Field Political sciences Sociology » Social shaping of technology History » History of science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country France Application Deadline 4 Jun 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The opening of this postdoctoral position is a continuation of the work conducted within Centre internet et Société on the economic, political, and social issues of so-called "artificial intelligence" services.

The work conducted at CIS in this context focuses on the geopolitics, governance, financing and production systems, and normative systems (sovereignty, frugality, democratization, acceleration, etc.) of AI technologies.

This postdoctoral position is part of the research contracts funded by CNRS Humanities & Social Sciences in line with its scientific policy and its priority on digital transitions and artificial intelligence. It will contribute to ongoing discussions within CNRS Humanities & Social Sciences on digital governance, artificial intelligence in society, and transitions.

Candidates are invited to present a 5-7 page research project that can be completed within 24 months and situates itself in this research domain.

The post-doctoral researcher will be supervised by Francesca Musiani, director of the CIS, and one or more permanent researchers from the CIS (depending on the research themes of the successful candidate).

The postdoctoral researcher will focus on the proposed research project, which may include:

• developing an interdisciplinary literature review and a theoretical framework;
• conducting qualitative and/or quantitative analyses on the political and societal challenges of the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies, focusing on one or more case studies depending on the proposed and selected project;
• publishing their own work and contributing to scientific publications, with a preference for open-access journals; and participating in and organizing conferences, research seminars, and other scientific events.

Beyond their research activities, the candidate may provide support for research federation or dissemination initiatives led by CIS, such as events and seminars organized by the unit, or in conjunction with the Internet, AI, and Society Research Group.

The position does not include teaching responsibilities..

The candidate will be based at Centre Internet et Société (CIS), in the 17th arrondissement of Paris (CNRS Pouchet site).

CIS is a CNRS research center (UPR 2000), created in 2019. It works closely with the "Internet, AI and Society" network (GDR 2091), created in 2020.

The CIS strives to build independent and interdisciplinary research and expertise capable of shedding light on major technical controversies and defining contemporary policies related to digital technology, the internet, and, more broadly, computing.

Furthermore, applications from foreign nationals who can no longer conduct their research in their country of residence will receive special consideration.

Research Field Sociology » Social shaping of technology Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Research Field History » History of science Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

We are seeking a candidate with a PhD (social sciences or computer science with a social sciences focus/interface).

A background in computer science, experience with field research, and an original perspective on the political and social implications of new technologies will be particularly appreciated.

The required skills are:
• Proficiency in research methods (questionnaires, interviews, case studies, field observations, monographs, etc.)
• Data analysis
• Demonstrated previous research activity (publications, conferences).
• Fluency in written and spoken English, suitable for writing scientific articles and presenting at conferences. Fluency in other languages will also be a plus.
• Demonstrated facilitation and public speaking skills suited to diverse audiences.

The following skills will be particularly valued:
• International dimension of the work
• Interdisciplinary approach
• Ability to combine social and human sciences issues with quantitative data analysis