Experienced Scientist (m/f/d) in the field of Societal Futures

As Austria's largest research and technology organisation for applied research, we are dedicated to make substantial contributions to solving the major challenges of our time, climate change and digitisation. To achieve our goals, we rely on our specific research, development and technology competencies, which are the basis of our commitment to excellence in all areas. With our open culture of innovation and our motivated, international teams, we are working to position AIT as Austria's leading research institution at the highest international level and to make a positive contribution to the economy and society.

The Center for Innovation Systems & Policy is looking for new Ingenious Partners for our location in Vienna. Within AIT our Center for Innovation Systems & Policy is a think tank and key partner for public administration, companies, universities and institutes in European research, technology, and innovation policies. With our in-depth analyses and strategic advisory services, we contribute to sustainable transformations in business and society.

The Competence Unit Transformation Governance addresses questions of how research and innovation, as well as their framework conditions, can be designed to better contribute to addressing major societal challenges. Within this unit, the Societal Futures team specifically explores futures of diverse social, economic, and environmental conditions to support transformative research and innovation policies.

EXPERIENCED SCIENTIST (M/F/D) IN THE FIELD OF SOCIETAL FUTURES

CENTER FOR INNOVATION SYSTEMS & POLICY

• As part of our “Societal Futures” research team, you will excel in an interdisciplinary and international team of experts supporting professional development.
• You will work on research, innovation, and policy to support responsible and sustainable transitions (e.g., digital, green, and just transitions).
• You will conduct creative and forward-looking research to investigate and respond to social, economic, environmental, and ethical implications of new technologies and other social change processes.
• You will develop and apply inclusive foresight methods to improve policy and business decision-making.
• You will acquire and lead projects with national and international partners.
• You will engage decision-makers, stakeholders, and publics in the design, implementation, and sharing of research.
• You will shape responses to current and future societal challenges at the science-policy interface.
• You will make your results visible in the scientific community and at policy-relevant fora.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• A Ph.D. with experience in the design and implementation of policy-relevant research. We are also open to more experienced candidates with a master’s degree.
• A minimum four years’ post-doctoral experience (for applicants with a Ph.D.) in acquiring and leading national and international projects, particularly at the European level. Additional experience will be expected of applicants with a master's degree.
• Expertise in the social sciences with a futures focus. We are open to candidates from a range of backgrounds, but particularly science and technology studies, technology assessment, future studies, and innovation studies.
• A visible position in relevant networks and communities of researchers working on, for example, emerging science and technology, geopolitical dynamics, systems of production and consumption.
• Marked organisation and communication skills, interpersonal competences, and experience thriving in collaborative research environments.
• Excellent written and spoken German and English language.

What to expect:
The minimum gross annual salary on a full-time basis (38,5 h / week) according to the collective agreement is EUR 57.890,--. The actual salary will be determined individually, based on your qualifications and experience. In addition, we offer various company benefits, travel support for conferences and networking, flexible working conditions including up to half-time home office in Austria, individual training and career development opportunities.

At AIT diversity and inclusion are of great importance. This is why we strive to inspire women to join our teams in the field of technology. We welcome applications from women, who will be given preference in case of equal qualifications after taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances of all applications.

Please submit your application including your CV (including names and contact details for two references), cover letter, and certificates (e.g., of degrees) online.