Job Description
We are currently searching for two individuals who are interested in pursuing a PhD project focused on New Organizational Forms and Block chain Governance. Both projects are part of a larger collaboration between analytical sociologists, social and political philosophers, political economists, and science and technology scholars. The aim of this collaboration is to investigate the extent to which Block chain Governance is effective in promoting cooperation within and between new organizational structures.
The first project is centered around Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), examining whether sustainable cooperation can be achieved through Reputation Based Governance and Smart Consensus. This project will not only analyze the decisions, actions, and outcomes of select DAOs throughout their lifespan, but will also explore how different intra-organizational governance mechanisms, such as reputation based governance and consensus voting, may impact the success of these DAOs.
The second project concerns Decentralized Science (DeSci) and examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of blockchain-based initiatives for creating sustainable value in the academic sector. It aims to chart the growing field of inter-organizational DeSci initiatives that use blockchain technology, particularly DAOs, and explores the factors that support or impede their ability to enhance cooperation and generate value in academia.
The tasks of the PhD candidates are:
- conduct theoretical and empirical research that results in a dissertation and is in line with the objectives and requirements of the project
- organize and execute the data collection for the different studies
- publish the results of the research in international scientific journals
- present the research findings to fellow scientists and developers in the larger project, and collaborate with them
- contribute to teaching in the Sociology program.
Qualifications
For these positions you are expected to:
- have (almost) finished a (research) master's degree in the domain of Sociology, or a related discipline
- have a strong academic record
- have strong conceptual and analytical skills
- have a solid training in the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data and (the willingness to familiarize themselves with) the methods of digital ethnography
- have good academic English writing skills
- have good social, communication and project management skills as they are required for designing and implementing a data collection
- be able to work in an interdisciplinary research team
- have a background in or affinity with philosophy is a plus
- preferably have some background knowledge about the domain of block chains, distributed ledger technology and Decentralized Autonomous Organizations.
PhD Benefits
We offer, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:
- a salary of € 2,541 gross per month in the first year of the appointment, rising to € 3,247 gross per month in the fourth year for a full-time position;
- a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance;
- attractive secondary terms of employment;
- the position is classified in accordance with the University Job Classification (UFO) system; the UFO profile is PhD candidate;
- a temporary position of 1.0 FTE for a period of four years. You will first be appointed for a period of 12 months. After a positive evaluation, the contract will be extended for the remaining period.
Intended starting date: September 1st, 2023.
PhD Application
You can apply by submitting a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, the names of two referees, diplomas and grade sheets for your BA and MA, and (parts of) your MA thesis until 6 April 11:59pm / before 7 April 2023 Dutch local time (CET) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).
Only submissions via the application portal will be considered.
The selection interviews will take place:
- Tentative: 1st round (online) Monday May 1 and/or Tuesday May 2
- Tentative: 2nd round (on site) Monday 15 May and/or Tuesday 16 May, 2023
You need to upload the following documents (in pdf):
- CV including 2 references (contact data)
- Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
- Copy of your diploma (including grades), or expectation letter (including grades) if you have not finished yet
- Copy of your Master thesis (or draft if you have not finished yet)
- Reference letter(s) – optional.
For further information related to this PhD Vacancy, you may contact Prof. Rafael Wittek, r.p.m.wittek@rug.nl (Please do not use the e-mail address for applications). For further information related to the vacancy, it is strongly advice to visit this PhD Scholarships.
