Vacancy: Research Associate at the Orient-Institut Istanbul – Digital Health and Self-Tracking in Turkey
The Orient-Institut Istanbul is currently seeking a doctoral or post-doctoral researcher to work on a project on „Digital Health and Self-Tracking in Turkey: Between Empowerment and New Barriers (VALID-TR)“, for the following part-time position, available immediately:
Research Associate (90%), 12 months (salary based on the salary scale of German institutions in Turkey for locally hired personnel)
About the project
The project investigates practices and technologies of digital self-measurement (i.e. health devices and apps, e.g. health tracking apps, robotic walking aids, wearables) and how these are embedded in social processes. The focus is on the social, ethical, and cultural dimensions of those health devices. The current trend is characterized by the fact that these applications should motivate users to work independently, preventively, and actively on the positive development of their own health and lifestyle via practices of self-quantification. However, such forms of health self-management and monitoring may entail new forms of discrimination against vulnerable groups, for example people with chronic diseases or children.
Requirements
Applicants are expected to hold at least a master’s degree, preferably in the social sciences or the humanities. Those working on, or interested in, topics of health or medicine are especially encouraged to apply. Knowledge and skills in the field of Sociology of Medicine or Medicine, Science and Technology Studies, especially with regard to issues of e-Health in Turkey, Human Enhancement, the technologization/ quantification of the self and economies of life are beneficial. Competitive candidates will demonstrate expertise in qualitative research, especially in conducting interviews and ethnographic research.
Academic Turkish and English skills are required. German is preferable.
This job advertisement is aimed at qualified candidates committed to promoting interdisciplinary exchange and cooperation between the Orient-Institut Istanbul and the department of Industrial Design at Middle East Technical University. Candidates who qualify for doctoral studies may be considered for a PhD studentship at METU Industrial Design.
Workplace of the project will be at the Orient-Institut Istanbul.
We offer
The Orient-Institut Istanbul is an independent turcological and regional academic research institute of the Max Weber Foundation. Much of our work is conducted in cooperation with universities and independent academic institutions, both in Turkey and abroad. The institute also contributes to the scientific exchange between Germany and Turkey. For this project the key cooperation partner of the Orient-Institut is the Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences, with its project “Digitale Gesundheitsdaten zwischen sozialer Inklusion und sozialer Robustheit (VALID)” (project principle: Prof. Dr. Stefan Selke). Our VALID-TR project partner in Turkey is the Department of Industrial Design (Asst. Prof. Dr. Harun Kaygan) of the Middle East Technical University in Ankara.
The Orient-Institut Istanbul is committed to raising the number of women in research. Female researchers are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities are treated with preference given comparable qualification.
Application
Applications must be submitted electronically as a single pdf document including a letter of motivation, an academic CV and diplomas. Please include the contact information for two academic referees.
Application deadline: December 15, 2018
Please submit your complete application to:
Prof. Dr. Raoul Motika
Director of the
Orient-Institut Istanbul
Susam Sokak 16 D.8
34433 Cihangir-IstanbulTurkey
For any questions about the application procedure, please contact:
Dr. Melike Şahinol, (“Human, Medicine and Society”) at sahinol@oiist.org