Dan Verständig

The Center for Critical Computational Studies at Goethe University Frankfurt is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the working group led by Professor Dan Verständig. This three-year, fully funded position focuses on the intersections of education, philosophy, and the normative, political, and social dimensions of computational systems. The research and teaching agenda includes philosophy of education, philosophy of technology, AI ethics, critical computational literacy, algorithmic systems, political and recognition theory (including traditions such as Hannah Arendt), and questions of responsibility, power, and digital infrastructures. The position encourages interdisciplinary and experimental research formats. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching and research in educational theory and practices of critical computational literacy, particularly at the interface of education and normative questions of algorithmic systems. Responsibilities include developing and delivering courses on education, philosophy of technology, AI ethics, and the relationship between education, technology, and society. The postdoc will also develop an independent research profile in critical digitalization studies, philosophy of technology, recognition theories, or related fields, and participate in interdisciplinary research projects, grant applications, and publications. Additional duties involve supporting the Center's focus on critical computational literacy through empirical and theoretical contributions. Applicants must hold a completed doctoral degree in a relevant social science, humanities, or interdisciplinary field (e.g., educational science, political science, cultural studies, philosophy of technology, science and technology studies, digital ethics). A strong research record on digital technologies, AI, and their normative, societal, or educational implications is required. The ability to teach in German and/or English is expected, with willingness to acquire missing language skills. Desired qualifications include expertise in qualitative, philosophical-analytical, or critical research methods, teaching experience, familiarity with academic self-administration, and research experience in international contexts. Additional assets are knowledge in algorithmic governance, critical social and recognition theories, and creative or interdisciplinary science communication. The position is classified under the E 13 TV-G-U pay scale, offering a competitive salary, flexible working hours, a free public transport ticket (LandesTicket Hessen), and a family-friendly environment. Application expenses are not reimbursed. The workplace is located at the modern Westend Campus in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. To apply, submit a single PDF (max 5 MB) including a cover letter, CV, publication list, research proposal with timeline (max 2 pages), and teaching concept (max 1 page) by email to [email protected] by March 4, 2026. Applications can be in German or English. For more information, visit the Center for Critical Computational Studies at www.c3s-frankfurt.de .

Goethe University Frankfurt is recruiting for PhD and postdoctoral positions at the Center for Critical Computational Studies (C3S), with a research focus on computational social science , quantitative social science , climate justice , climate risks , spatial demography , and related questions of environmental justice and spatial inequality . The main advertised research stream under Prof. Dr. Tobias Rüttenauer (Quantitative Social Science) addresses socio-demographic inequalities in climate impacts, environmental justice, demographic responses to climate change, and the development/application of computational methods such as machine learning and spatial econometrics . The post mentions multiple openings: two postdoctoral researcher positions and three doctoral researcher/PhD positions , with different durations and employment fractions. The positions are based at the C3S, a central research center of Goethe University Frankfurt am Main. The environment is described as highly supportive, with no mandatory teaching obligations and generous support for further training , professional development , and conference travel . The university also highlights its family-friendly policies and campus location in Frankfurt. Eligibility highlights: PhD applicants should have a strong background in the social sciences or related fields, very good quantitative training, and strong interest in climate change, environmental justice, and computational methods. Useful skills include R, Python, or Stata, experience with georeferenced data, spatial or longitudinal analysis, and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team. Postdoctoral applicants are expected to have a completed doctorate and a strong research profile aligned with the project themes. Application deadline: 23 June 2026. How to apply: Submit the required application materials by email. For the PhD call, use the reference code SOC-Doc and send a single PDF to [email protected] . The post also notes that candidates who fit both funding streams should apply to both calls using the same materials. Full advertisements are available via the linked post and university pages. This is a strong opportunity for candidates interested in computational social science , climate justice , environmental inequality , spatial analysis , and demography in an interdisciplinary research setting.