The Institute of History and Philosophy of Science, Technology, and Literature at Technical University Berlin is hiring a PhD student for an ERC funded project on nuclear history. The successful applicant is expected to explore the kind of regulatory presence international organizations came to embody in the nuclear field and the diplomatic practices that allowed organizations such as the IAEA or WHO to undertake a significant role in radiation protection.
For more information on the project contact Prof. Maria Rentetzi mrentetz@vt.edu or maria.rentetzi@tu-berlin.de
Deadline: 30.3.2020
Full description
The ERC research program HRP-IAEA: Living with Radiation led by Prof. Maria Rentetzi and hosted by the Technical University in Berlin is presently looking for a research assistant with excellent qualifications.
Research theme:
The HRP-IAEA ERC project (https://iaeahistory.weebly.com/) addresses the central role of international organizations on nuclear regulation and radiation protection. It focuses especially on the International Atomic Energy Agency and explores its emerging role in regulating civilian applications of nuclear energy, and the tensions inherent in its activities. The project's main hypothesis is that scientific knowledge about radiation protection has been shaped by social, economic, political and, most of all, diplomatic concerns. This project blurs boundaries between history of science and diplomatic history and advocates a diplomatic turn in the history of science while diplomacy becomes central in analyzing post-war science.
The successful applicant is expected to specifically explore the kind of regulatory presence international organizations came to embody in the nuclear field and the diplomatic practices that allowed organizations such as the IAEA or WHO to undertake a significant role in radiation protection.
Description of the project:
The HRP-IAEA addresses the following key question: how the International Atomic Energy Agency, a diplomatic and political international organization, came to dominate scientific institutions with a long tradition in radiation protection. In order to address this question the ERC research team is undertaking a series of case studies focusing on the IAEA's early technical assistance programs and its relations to other regulatory institutions. Our focus is on the kind of nuclear diplomacy the IAEA developed throughout the early years of its establishment.
The successful applicant is expected to:
- complete a doctoral dissertation in English based on his/her project research
- contribute to publications
- perform archival research related to this topic and process archival data
- conduct interviews with key actors for his/her project
- contribute to administrative issues related to his/her own research (reporting, etc.)
- contribute to the dissemination activities of the project by posting on social media, the project's website etc.
- contribute to the cross-cutting research agenda of the project as a whole and to the HRP-IAEA's exhibition(s) on the history of radiation protection
- participate in international conferences and the project's events
Requirements:
- successfully completed university degree (Diplom, Master or equivalent) in history of science, history of medicine, international history, political sciences, science and technology studies, or other associated fields
- indication of a strong interest in the Project
- experience in archival research
- computer skills are desirable
- excellent command of written and spoken English
- the successful applicant is required to reside in Berlin for the duration of the project
Please send your application with the reference number (I-976/19) preferably by e-mail to nina.krampitz@tu-berlin.de
Your application should include in a single pdf file carrying your last name the following:
- a brief cover letter explaining your research interests and your motivation to apply
- a full curriculum vitae,
- a research proposal (1500 words) that directly addresses this call.
- a writing sample
- and the names of two referees
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
In case you prefer to send a written application please use the following address: Technische Universität Berlin - Der Präsident - Fakultät I, Institut für Philosophie, Literatur-,Wissenschafts- und Technikgeschichte, Prof. Dr. Maria Rentetzi, ERC- Projekt HRP-IAEA, Sekr. H 23,Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin.
To ensure equal opportunities between women and men, applications by women with the required qualifications are explicitly desired. Qualified individuals with disabilities will be favored. The TU Berlin values the diversity of its members and is committed to the goals of equal opportunities. Please send copies only. Original documents will not be returned.
