Three Assistant Professor or Postdoctoral positions in Science of Science (including: scientometrics, research policy, science policy, sociology of science, economics of science or science and technology studies)

We are looking for an assistant professor or a postdoc researcher in the field of scientometrics, science of science, research policy, science policy, sociology of science, economics of science, or science and technology studies (STS).

Successful candidate will participate in the development of the Science Studies Laboratory at the University of Warsaw.

Three full-time positions are available.

Period of employment: 36 months: the first contract for 12 months, extended for another 24 months after a positive evaluation (strong prospects of extension to a tenure-track after 36 months, depending on performance and available funding).

Position available: August 2022 (the starting date is negotiable but no later than January 2023).

Closing date for applications: 29.06.2022 (Warsaw time).

Job description and responsibilities:

  • carrying out research in the field of scientometrics, science of science, research policy, science policy, sociology of science, economics of science or science and technology studies (STS);

  • publication of the results of the conducted research, including in the form of scientific publications in leading journals;

  • preparation and submission of grant applications for financing external to the University of Warsaw, which is devoted to research related to scientometrics, science of science, research policy, science policy, sociology of science, economics of science or science and technology studies (STS);

  • participation in scientific conferences;

  • active participation in international cooperation;

  • this job does not require teaching (however, it will be possible – but not required – for those willing to engage in teaching and advising MA or PhD students).

Key requirements:

  • doctoral degree in the field of social sciences (or from outside the social sciences if it is related to the thematic scope of the competition, e.g. data science);

  • presentation of an original idea for a research project in the field of scientometrics, science of science, research policy, science policy, sociology of science, economics of science or science and technology studies (STS);

  • scientific achievements documented by publications in renowned scientific journals;

  • good knowledge of quantitative research methods;

  • fluent command of spoken and written English;

  • fulfillment of the conditions set out in article 113 the Act of 20 July 2018 – Law on Higher Education and Science (i.e., Journal of Laws of 2022, item 574) and the Statute of the University of Warsaw (Resolution No. 443 of the Senate of the University of Warsaw, from 26 June 2019, Monitor item 190).

Desired (not required, but candidates meeting these criteria may be preferred):

  • scientific achievements (publications, projects) in the field of scientometrics, science of science, research policy, science policy, sociology of science, economics of science or science and technology studies (STS);

  • experience in working with bibliometric or patent data;

  • knowledge of Python and/or R programming languages;

  • knowledge of machine learning methods;

  • experience in working with big data;

  • knowledge and experience in the field of data science;

  • knowledge of econometric methods;

  • knowledge of experimental and quasi-experimental methods in social sciences;

  • experience in obtaining funding for research projects;

  • teaching experience (especially teaching in English);

  • experience in international cooperation.

We offer:

  • participation in the creation and development of a new research unit (Science Studies Laboratory);

  • the possibility of implementing your own research ideas;

  • an opportunity to work in a vibrant scholarly community at one of the best universities of Central Eastern Europe, with extensive international collaboration;

  • budget for travel, equipment, data, literature, participation in conferences and training, employment of research assistants (up to PLN 40,000 per year);

  • access to infrastructure (office space, library, IT resources, sports infrastructure);

  • access to raw Web of Science and PATSTAT data;

  • organizational and substantive support in applying for external funding for research projects;

  • support in establishing international cooperation;

  • salary: up to PLN 10,000 gross per month (commensurate with qualifications and experience), includes health insurance and social security. The net salary (after taxes) will be up to about PLN 7,630 (EUR 1,660) per month.

  • possibility to participate in externally financed research and applied projects carried out in the unit (also with possible additional remuneration);

  • 36 days of paid leave per year;

  • additional annual salary (“thirteen”) in the amount of 8.5% of annual salary;

  • we will provide help to people from outside of Warsaw in finding a place to live in Warsaw.

Selection and recruitment procedure

Required (Your job application should contain all the items listed below, in English):

  1. CV;

  2. a cover letter (1 page);

  3. sample publication;

  4. abstract of an idea for a research project in scientometrics, science of science, research policy, science policy, sociology of science, economics of science or science and technology studies (STS). The description of the research idea should contain at least the following elements: formulation and justification of the research problem; indication of data sources and research methods; research plan. The abstract should contain no more than 800 words. One abstract is required and sufficient. If deemed appropriate, the candidate may submit up to two abstracts (each with a maximum of 800 words);

  5. a scan of the document confirming the doctoral degree;

  6. a signed agreement for the processing of personal data by the University of Warsaw, which is attached to this call;

  7. a statement (scan) in which the candidate confirms with his/her signature that he/she is familiar with and accepts the rules for conducting competitions laid down in the UW Rector’s Ordinance No. 106 of 27 September 2019 on defining detailed rules and procedures for conducting competitions for the position of academic teacher at the University of Warsaw.

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview with the Recruitment Committee. The selected candidates will be notified individually about the date of the interview.

The Committee reserves the right to perform a preliminary evaluation of applications prior to the full evaluation of applicants.

Prior to commencing employment, the candidate selected in the competition is required to submit original documents, for the purpose of certifying copies or reproductions of the documents.

The competition is the first stage of the recruitment procedure for the position of an adjunct, as specified in the Statute of the University of Warsaw, and its positive outcome is the basis for further proceedings.

How to apply: Please send an e-mail to a.ploszaj@uw.edu.pl with the subject line “Recruitment – Science Studies Laboratory”.

Questions: Direct your questions to dr Adam Ploszaj, e-mail address: a.ploszaj@uw.edu.pl

You can find more details and the required attachments here: job offer (PDF).