Missions

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).

Activités

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..

Compétences

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

Contexte de travail

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.

Contraintes et risques

Partial remote work is possible.

Travel related to fieldwork and research dissemination activities, which may take place in France and abroad, is expected and will be covered by CIS.

The successful candidate is also expected to adhere to the CNRS charter and commitments regarding ethics, equality, and sustainable development.