Full Time PhD position on social media & privacy, Free University of Brussels
The research centre IBBT-SMIT at the Free University of Brussels (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) offers a full time PhD position in the field of Social Sciences, more in particular of Media and Communication Studies. The vacancy is open for a research position of 4 years, in order to realize a PhD on the use of social media and social networks sites, the reconfiguration of privacy practices and the social and technological consequences thereof. The position starts in January 2011, and is supervised by Prof. Jo Pierson.
Candidates are expected to show strong affinity with and interest in the domain of audience and user studies, social media technologies and media sociology, and are holder of a Masters degree in Social Sciences (Communication Studies, Sociology, …). Applications are to be sent electronically as soon as possible (at the latest by 14th January 2011) to Hans De Canck (Hans.De.Canck@vub.ac.be) and Prof. Jo Pierson (jo.pierson@vub.ac.be). When applying, a motivation and an elaborated vision on the theme under concern are expected to be included with the CV.
Contact information:
Hans De Canck IBBT-SMIT Free University of Brussels (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) Pleinlaan 9 B-1050 Brusssels E-mail: Hans.De.Canck@vub.ac.be Tel.: +32-(0)2-6291628
Prof. dr. J. Pierson Dept. of Media and Communication Studies Faculty of Arts and Philosophy Free University of Brussels (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) Pleinlaan 2 B-1050 Brusssels E-mail: jo.pierson@vub.ac.be Tel.: +32-(0)2-6292412
Description of research theme:
We are witnessing the rapid growth of a new generation of participatory and collaborative network technologies that provide individuals with a platform for sophisticated online social interaction. Social networks today have hundreds of millions of users and are transforming our social and professional interactions and to some extent are shaping society itself. Gradually, society is discerning that this development not only brings strong bene?ts to the social and economic fabric, but also introduces new risks related to privacy violations. At this stage, these issues are often perceived as isolated incidents that most organizations do not take accountability for. Yet, the implications of social networking environments for individual users, communities, organizations and society at large will become much more evident and most likely more substantial if necessary precautions are not taken. Especially alarming is the massive responsibility that individuals incur with respect to managing privacy and security risks arising from the information collected and shared about their everyday life on social networking sites. This phenomenon is has been coined as the responsibilisation of individuals.
The main objective of the overall research project is to mitigate the responsibilisation of individuals who use or are a?ected by social networking services by making the underlying social networking infrastructures and the organizations that run them more accountable. In order to achieve this objective ?rst an understanding of the target audience is required as well as forms of responsibilisation. This target audience includes users, communities and organizations in Flanders (Belgium). The plan is to develop solutions that facilitate better decision making with respect to the target groups’ privacy and security concerns, and that mitigate the risks, threats and concerns that currently are manifest in this domain.
The PhD research position at IBBT-SMIT (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) is part of this larger four-year interdisciplinary research project on security and privacy in online social networks, involving different Belgian universities and one American university. More in particular the doctoral research has a twofold perspective. On the one hand it wants to understand the practices and needs of users with regard to privacy issues within social network sites, mainly based on the use of qualitative and ethnographic methods. On the other hand it will focus on the critical design variables and tools for social software. For the latter a translation needs to be made from the user research findings to possible guidelines and requirements for future media en technological solutions.
Requirements:
A Master degree in Social Sciences, (Communication Studies, Sociology, …) Good knowledge of Dutch (and English) Strong affinity and/or interest in the domain of audience and user studies, social media technologies and media sociology Good knowledge of user research methods Good writing skills To be flexible and to be able to cope with deadlines Team player with strong social skills Research experience is a plus.
We offer:
An interesting PhD research position (4 years) in a stimulating work environment Enthusiastic and young co-workers and a pleasant environment Day to day support and project guidance based on high quality standards A place for personal involvement and input Flexible working hours Multiple social benefits Salary in accordance with the job market.
Selasa, 14 Desember 2010
Scholarsip Netherland | PhD position in Ecospace Indonesie at University of Wageningen
Job description We are looking for a PhD student to undertake a spatial modeling of ecosystem services supply in the context of land use change with a case study in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The project will combine environmental, spatial and economic analysis to further our understanding of the benefits provided by nature to society.
The project will zoom in on the impacts of rapid land use change and the possibilities for basing land use planning on ecological-economic models. The project will be undertaken in close collaboration with a number of Indonesian partners, and the PhD student is expected to carry out several months of fieldwork in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Location: Wageningen Function types: PhD positions Scientific fields: Natural Sciences Hours: 38.0 hours per week Education: University Graduate End procedure: 9 January 2011 Job number: ESG CWK-0089 Requirements We require excellent analytical skills, preferably demonstrated by previous experience with quantitative analysis and modeling. A background in environmental sciences, environmental economics or landscape ecology would fit best to the offered position. Experience with GIS, the analysis or modeling of ecosystem services, or the economic valuation of environmental resources would be an advantage. Finally, good writing skills and the motivation to carry out a PhD study are required. Proficiency in, or a willingness to learn basic Indonesian in order to communicate with stakeholders would be appreciated.
Conditions of employment We offer a full time employment at Wageningen University as PhD student, starting with 18 months. If your suitability in this position is apparent, the period of employment will be extended by the remaining 30 months. The salary increases from a gross salary of 2042 euro per month in the first year to 2612 euro in the fourth year. The position should result in a promotion at Wageningen University. The PhD student will work in a group with 5 other PhD students working on related topics. There will be an intensive PhD training program, and there is adequate budget for fieldwork, travel, attending conferences, etc. The deadline for applications is 9 January 2011
Contract type : Temporary 18 maanden + 30 maanden
Organisation : Wageningen UR (University & Research centre)
The PhD student will work in the Environmental Systems Analysis Group (ESA) of Wageningen University with a total of around 15 staff and 12 PhD students. Wageningen University, the Netherlands is one of the most prominent international universities in the field of healthy food and the living environment. The ESA group was selected as best academic group in the field of environmental sciences in the Netherlands in the most recent national evaluation (QANU). For a full project description, pls. contact Ms. Ria Cuperus (ria.cuperus@wur.nl). For specific questions, pls. contact Dr. Lars Hein (lars.hein@wur.nl). For more information on theEnvironmental Systems Analysis Group, see our website: http://www.esa.wur.nl/UK
Wageningen University and Research centre
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That`s our focus – each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society – such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don`t do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on `the quality of life`, turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.
Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.
For further information about working at Wageningen UR, take a look at www.jobsat.wur.nl.
Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.
Additional information Lars Hein, 0317-482993 More information about employer Wageningen UR (University & Research centre) on AcademicTransfer. Direct link to this job opening: www.academictransfer.com/7435
