SMIT (Junior) Researcher – Inclusive Citizen participation

SMIT (Studies on Media, Innovation and Technology) is a research centre of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. It is part of the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, Department of Communication Studies and is also part of imec, Flanders’ leading strategic research institute for nanotechnology and ICT innovation. For over 25 years, imec-SMIT has specialised in socio-economic and policy research on ICT innovation in Media, Cities and Healthcare. Our team consists of nearly 100 senior and junior researchers with a wide diversity of backgrounds and nationalities.

Description of the research domain

SMIT is looking for a passionate (junior) researcher within the Digital Inclusion & Citizen Engagement Unit. Our team investigates, among other things, the (dis)empowerment of people within the complex interaction of humans, data and digital technologies.

You will work for the European research project “UP2030” which aims to support cities in socio-technical transitions required to meet their climate neutrality targets. Making cities more connected and compact towards climate neutrality is an opportunity to make them better places to live for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable. Therefore, inclusive participation is key throughout the project’s full cycle of activities so that the real needs of communities are reflected, and new innovations are co-designed.

UP2030 aims to have a positive impact on spatial justice in the cities and gives opportunity to everyone to participate in the sustainable transition processes by becoming agents of change themselves. You will be part of an interdisciplinary and international research team. In specific, you will support amongst other the following cities in their implementation towards just outcomes: Budapest, Granollers, Lisbon, Milan, Muenster, Rotterdam, Thessaloniki, Zagreb, Belfast, Istanbul and Rio de Janeiro

Your profile

• A master’s degree in a relevant field, such as communication sciences, (climate) psychology, sociology, political sciences, urban studies, … with good academic results.
• Knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, co-creation workshops, surveys, etc.
• First experience with participatory research methodologies, such as living labs, citizen science, civic participation, co-creation, etc., or a strong will to develop these skills.
• An interest in ICT and innovative technologies (in a smart city context).
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English (oral and written)
• You have an open and flexible attitude in a multi-disciplinary work environment with diverse counterparts.
• You are able to work proactively and independently.
• You like to travel abroad for international conferences and meetings.

Research task will include

• Conducting literature reviews on the topics of citizen participation particularly digital storytelling and future scenarios in the broader context of urban transition processes for sustainable cities.
• Conducting qualitative or quantitative research, such as in-depth interviews, co-creation workshops, surveys, etc., with multiple stakeholders.
• Developing a digital tool to give citizens a voice on climate neutrality.
• Translating insights into policy recommendations for inclusive, and sustainable cities. The recommendations are collected in a collaborative way with policymakers, educational institutions, community-based organizations, etc.
• Support local governments in the development of an inclusive communication and engagement strategy. This includes recommendations for science communication and specific tools, such as storytelling, for targeting vulnerable and marginalized groups.
• Daily project management and reporting
• Writing project reports and academic publications
• Presenting research at workshops, events and international conferences

We offer

• A dynamic and stimulating working environment with entrepreneurial young scientists and experienced senior staff members in an international setting
• Opportunity to take a leading role in innovative research projects with high involvement from societal and industrial actors, and support from an interdisciplinary team.
• Support from experienced senior researchers in the domain of participatory action research, citizen science and inclusion
• Continuous opportunities for development through offered training
• Opportunity to obtain a PhD
• Flexible working conditions with opportunity for personal initiative;
• Attractive remuneration package with fringe benefits
• A full-time employment contract for three years (with a possibility of extension)

Apply before 31 August 2023 by sending your CV and motivation letter to Wim Cloots at jobs@smitresearch.be .

For content-related questions about this position, please contact Carina Veeckman at carina.veeckman@vub.be