Job description

The Research Unit investigates how societal communication changes with communicative AI. The focus of the first funding period (2025 - 2028) is on the emergence and constructions of communicative AI. Research will focus on the pioneer communities of communicative AI, their interfaces, the legal handling of AI, and its governance by corporations, as well as the appropriation of communicative AI in journalism, public (online) discourse, personal life, health, and in learning and teaching. Our research uses highly innovative methods from the social sciences and HCI, including digital and computer-aided methods. For more information on the Research Unit and various opportunities for doctoral researchers, please visit the website www.comai.space.

Job description

The project P1 is based at ZeMKI, University of Bremen. It investigates how pioneer communities create “social horizons” of future developments of communicative AI through their imaginaries and experimental practices. The project combines a historical perspective on past pioneer communities and technology-related movements with a perspective on current influences and the contribution of current pioneer communities to the spread of communicative AI. The research uses a multi-method design that analyzes historical sources, media discourses, interviews, observations, and online networks in Germany, the UK, and the US.

Tasks

The research assistant (f/m/d) will be responsible for tasks related to data collection and analysis. Responsibilities include:

• Collection and analysis of qualitative data on pioneer communities and tech movements
• Contribution to the analysis of selected networks/communities on X/Twitter and Discord and to the comparative analysis of the influence of pioneer community imaginaries and those of other tech movements on the development and spread of communicative AI
• Data management and documentation, including participation in the development of the Research Unit’s “ComAI Research Space”
• Collaboration on project-related publications, events, and networking activities

The position offers the possibility of a doctorate.

Requirements

• Very good Master’s degree in the social sciences or related disciplines
• Good knowledge in media and communication studies, social movements, and technology discourses
• Experience with or good knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods of media and communication research, particularly interviewing and network analysis
• Excellent knowledge of German, very good knowledge of English (written and spoken)
• Strong communication skills and willingness to collaborate within the project team and the Research Unit

Also welcome are:

• Knowledge of the development of communicative AI to date
• Knowledge of the technology-related pioneer communities in the USA, UK, and Germany
• Experience with tools for qualitative data analysis
• Experience in empirical interview studies and discourse and network analyses
• Interest in methods of computational social sciences

General Information

Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since it was founded 50 years ago. With a broad range of subjects, we combine exceptional performance with great potential for innovation. As an ambitious research university, we stand for the approach of research-based learning and a pronounced orientation towards interdisciplinarity. We actively organise scientific cooperation worldwide in a spirit of partnership.

Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration and operations, we are firmly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to try new things, in supportive cooperation and in respect and appreciation for one another. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe and the world.

The University of Bremen is family-friendly, diverse and sees itself as an international university. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The University of Bremen endeavours to increase the proportion of women in the academic field and therefore expressly encourages women to apply.

Disabled persons with essentially equal professional and personal qualifications will be given preferential consideration.

If you have any questions regarding the job advertisement, please email Andreas Hepp (andreas.heppprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de).

Please send applications with the usual documents (cover letter, CV, MA thesis, any other publications, certificates) by 27.09.2024, quoting the reference number A268-24, by e-mail (as one file in PDF format) to Ludmila Schmidt (ludmila.schmidtprotect me ?!vw.uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de):

Universität Bremen

ZeMKI, Ludmila Schmidt

Postfach 33 04 40

28334 Bremen

Any travelling expenses for job interviews may be covered after consultation.

We kindly ask you to send us only copies (no portfolios) of your application documents, as we cannot return them. They will be d