Postdoctoral Position in Science, Technology and Society

Postdoctoral Position in Science, Technology and Society (STS)
100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Ethics, Technology and Society research group in the department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS), led by Prof. Dr. Margarita Boenig-Liptsin, is inviting applications for a Post-doctoral researcher in Science, Technology and Society (STS).

The position is limited to two years, 100% time, and is paid according to the fixed salary rates of ETH Zurich. This position is intended for researchers who will complete their PhD by January 2026 or have completed their PhD within the last 2 years.

Research in the Ethics, Technology and Society group is on the mutual interplay of science, technology and society using frameworks and methods from Science, Technology & Society (STS), history, philosophy, anthropology, critical theory, and the arts. We privilege interpretive, qualitative methods that combine situated ethnographic detail with deep knowledge of cultural and political contexts and histories, ideally in a cross-national comparative perspective. You can learn more about the research of the group on its website.

Project background

The candidate for the Post-doctoral researcher position is expected to develop their own research project in the area of digital technologies (i.e. computing, data, algorithms, AI) in society. We are in particular looking for candidates who have interest and experience with STS and humanities pedagogy in the context of a technical university and in developing research and teaching partnerships with computer science faculty and researchers. We are also interested in candidates who value engaging publicly on topics of the ethical, social, and political aspects of AI, within the university, in Zurich, and in dialogue with society as part of their work.

Job description

• Perform qualitative social science (STS) research in the above-mentioned area.
• Work towards publications in recognized international journals, including co-authored papers with other group members.
• (Co-)Develop and (co-)teach MA level and Bachelor level courses in the Science in Perspective Program.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research and teaching initiatives in partnership with computer science faculty, researchers, and students at ETH Zürich.
• Engage on topics of ethical, social, and political aspects of digital technologies within the ETH Public Policy School, the university, Zürich civil society, and wider publics.
• Contribute to writing synergistic grant applications to raise external funding.
• Participate regularly in the events of the Ethics, Technology and Society research group and support the work of the group, including the organization of meetings, project maintenance, planning of project events, workshops, conferences.
• Actively engage with professors, students, and researchers at the D-GESS department, ETH Zürich, and in the Swiss and international STS community.

Profile

Essential experience, skills and characteristics:

• About to complete (by January 2026) or have completed/submitted within the last 2 years a dissertation in Science, Technology and Society (STS) or a related field, e.g. History and/or Philosophy of Science and/or Technology, Geography, Law, (Qualitative) Policy Studies, Innovation Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science. Interested candidates with a PhD in engineering or science who have extensive training and research experience in STS are also encouraged to apply.
• A distinct research profile in STS or related fields that is demonstrated through publications and/or teaching in the area of digital technologies (computing, data, algorithms, AI) and society.
• Interest and experience in STS and humanities pedagogy in engineering contexts.
• Interest and experience to collaborate with computer scientists, natural scientists and to engage with students, policy makers, and publics on ethical, social and political aspects of digital technologies and society.
• Broad knowledge of the topics, theories and methods of STS
• English language proficiency

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge of co-productionist and comparative approaches in STS
• International experience
• Strong inclination to work in a team-oriented environment
• German, French, or Italian language skills

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV
• List of publications
• A short letter of motivation that describes your research profile and future goals (max 2 pages)
• A short project description of the project(s) you are interested in pursuing as a postdoc
• 1-2 writing samples (e.g. a chapter of your PhD thesis, a publication, or an article-in-progress)
• The names and contact details of up to three references. Letters of recommendation will be solicited from short-listed candidates.
• Relevant transcripts and certificates (e.g. transcripts from graduate study; a scan of your MA and PhD degree)

Applications are due on Monday, January 16, 2026. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Applications should be in English.

The successful candidate will start the position on April 1, 2026, or by arrangement, but no later than June 1, 2026.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Margarita Boenig-Liptsin ) (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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