Doctoral Researcher in the Research Project "GEN-AI"

About us:
The Institute of Social Sciences at the Carl von Ossietzky University focuses on interdisciplinary research and teaching in sociology and political science. Key research areas of the research group "Sociology of Social Stratification" led by Prof. Dr. Gundula Zoch include the quantitative-empirical analysis of the causes and consequences of social inequalities in the context of societal change.

The position is part of the collaborative research project GEN-AI ( Shaping Gender Equality in the Age of AI: Social Policy Challenges and Opportunities ), funded by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) within the newly established research centre of the German Institute for Interdisciplinary Social Policy Research (DIFIS-SOFO). GEN-AI examines how artificial intelligence, as a key future technology, interacts with demographic change, changing gender roles, and existing social inequalities, thereby transforming labour markets, family life, and social policy fields.

The project focuses on how the diffusion and use of AI in work and organisational contexts affect women and men differently, what consequences this has for employment, job quality, well-being, and attitudes, and how social policy can shape inclusive and gender-equitable transformation processes. The project combines quantitative labour-market and family-related survey and panel data.

We are looking for an excellent doctoral researcher.

Your tasks:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research as part of the GEN-AI project
• Develop and implement your own research ideas within the project's thematic focus, with the aim of completing a cumulative doctoral dissertation
• Prepare and publish articles in international peer-reviewed journals
• Present findings at (inter)national conferences and workshops
• Contribute to transfer activities for non-academic audiences within the framework of DIFIS-SOFO
• Contribute to project management
• Supervise student assistants
• Collaborate with the project team at the University of Bremen (UB) and the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB)

Your profile:
Requirements:

• a completed university degree at Master's level or equivalent in the social sciences, sociology, political science, demography, or related disciplines
• very good knowledge of social-science inequality research and a strong interest in the research focus of GEN-AI
• very good knowledge of quantitative methods and longitudinal analysis techniques
• experience in analysing complex survey or panel data
• very good knowledge of and experience with relevant statistical software, such as Stata or R
• willingness to familiarise yourself with new data sources and methods
• very good command of written and spoken German and English, as well as the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and appropriately to different audiences in both languages
• a self-reliant, structured, goal- and result-oriented work attitude as well as very good coordination skills
• Strong ability to work in a team and an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration

The ideal candidate(s) hold(s) the following credentials:

• Experience with causal-analytical research designs
• Willingness to travel for collaboration and conferences, nationally and internationally
• Experience in and interest in science communication and transfer to policy and practice
• Gender competencies and diversity awareness

We offer:

• Strong involvement in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and appreciative team with high visibility in international research and science communication
• Considerable scope for independent research and the opportunity to actively shape the project's research agenda
• Stimulating and supportive work environment with close and intensive support for the completion of a cumulative dissertation
• Working in a research group with projects of high social and political relevance and close integration into existing collaborations with national and international partners
• An excellent university environment with further training opportunities and individual support for academic and non-academic career development
• Regular participation in international research conferences is encouraged and supported; research stays abroad are possible, if desired
• Flexible working hours and opportunities for remote work to support the compatibility of family and career

Our standards:
The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Further information:
The position provides an opportunity for academic qualification within the project context (PhD). Subject to the availability of funding, employment for a total period of up to 48 months is possible.