Come work with me: PhD Position
In the Working group Critical Data & Surveillance Studies at the Center for Critical Computational Studies (C³S) at Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, which focuses on geographical, political, and/or social aspects of digital transformation in the Majority World, is a position as
PhD Position (m/f/d)
(E 13 TV-G-U, 75% part-time)
available for three years starting as soon as possible, subject to final funding approval. The salary grade is based on the job characteristics of the collective agreement applicable to Goethe University (TV-G-U).
The Center for Critical Computational Studies (C³S) is an interdisciplinary academic institution and one of the central research centers at Goethe University Frankfurt (www.c3s-frankfurt.de). Its mission is to establish and promote Critical Computational Studies as an inter- and transdisciplinary field of research with international visibility. In this context, C³S is active in research, teaching, and knowledge transfer. As a cross-departmental academic institution of Goethe University, the center facilitates collaboration among scholars from all faculties, academic cultures, disciplines, and research areas within the framework of Critical Computational Studies, and promotes both national and international networking. C³S is committed to scientific excellence, adheres to the principles of good scientific practice, and supports the early career development and independence of emerging researchers.
Your tasks include, among others:
• Participation in research and teaching within the Chair of Critical Data & Surveillance Studies, with emphasis on geographies, politics, and/or social relations of digital transformation in the Majority World
• independent research on subjects including authoritarian surveillance, uneven datafication and its consequences for developing countries, Big Tech and development, politics of digital sovereignty, data justice, or similar
• Teaching courses on subjects related to Critical Data & Surveillance Studies as outlined in the Higher Education Act of Hesse
• Contribution to the extracurricular activities of the chair, i.e. supporting the international visiting scholars, or organising summer/winter schools
• Attending conferences and events related to the research theme of the chair
We expect from you:
• a completed scientific university degree (diploma or master) with excellent academic performance in social science fields related to Critical Data & Surveillance Studies, including (but not limited to) human geography, sociology, anthropology, political science, STS, development studies, etc. (candidates from psychology, management, economics, or humanities will not be accepted)
• Experience in researching issues related to Critical Data & Surveillance Studies and a strong interest in the field
• high affinity for interdisciplinary research (e. g., demonstrated through a Master’s thesis, internship, etc.)
• Willingness to work collaboratively in a newly forming research team
• Willingness to travel (e. g., for conferences or field research)
• strong conceptual, strategic, and analytical thinking skills
• excellent written and spoken communication skills in English or German and a language of the Majority World
• for non-German-speakers, the ability and willingness to acquire a B2 certificate of German language in the first two years
Desirable qualifications:
• Experience working with international organisations such as UN agencies, international media, or civil society
• familiarity with qualitative or quantitative research methods
• familiarity with science communication through arts and creative work
• Co-teaching or teaching assistance experience
• international experience and familiarity with international research environments (e. g., through study abroad, participation in international conferences or workshops)
Goethe University is a family-friendly employer and offers, among other things, flexible working time models, its own collective bargaining agreement (TV-G-U), and currently a free LandesTicket Hessen for public transportation. The position is currently based on the university’s Westend Campus – one of the most modern and beautiful university campuses in Germany – located in central Frankfurt am Main, offering green surroundings with excellent public transport connections.
Please submit your application, in English or German, by 19.11.2025 including a cover letter, CV (including list of publications), a research program with a timeline (no more than three pages), and a teaching statement (no more than one page) via email to application@c3s.uni-frankfurt.de. We ask that you submit your application as a single PDF document not exceeding 10 MB in size. Online interviews will take place in early December 2025. Please note that travel- and application-related expenses cannot be reimbursed by Goethe-University.