[Commlist] PhD Scholarship in Critical AI/Media Studies at School of Information and Communication Studies, University College Dublin

          Ad Astra PhD Scholarship in the School of Information and
          Communication Studies at University College Dublin

Posting: https://www.ucd.ie/ics/study/phdresearchprogrammes/ 
<https://www.ucd.ie/ics/study/phdresearchprogrammes/>

University: University College Dublin
School: Information and Communications Studies
Supervisor: Dr. James Steinhoff ((james.steinhoff /at/ ucd.ie) 
<mailto:(james.steinhoff /at/ ucd.ie)>)
Starting date: 1 September 2023
Deadline for application: 1 May 2023
Interviews with short-listed candidates: 15-16 May 2023
Position: 100%, full-time position, tuition fees waived by the School
Remuneration: PhD studentship renewable for up to four years and 
consisting of:
    - PhD student stipend of €18k per annum (tax free)
    - €4k per annum towards research costs of the PhD student
Eligibility: EU and non-EU students are equally eligible for 
studentships under this award
Requirement: Students accepted under this scheme must meet the 
university entry standards.

Description of the Post:
The School of Information and Communication Studies at University 
College Dublin is inviting one fully-funded PhD scholarship under the 
supervision of Dr. James Steinhoff. The candidate will be interested in 
critically investigating how digital technologies, labour, politics, 
science and culture are materially intertwined in contemporary 
capitalism. The candidate will complete a research project of their own 
design on a topic pertaining to political, social or economic aspects of 
digital media including artificial intelligence/machine learning, 
algorithms, virtual reality, blockchain, robotics, autonomous vehicles, 
drones and automation technologies, broadly. Possible research topics 
include, but are not limited to: the production, deployment and theory 
of artificial intelligence and/or data (especially emerging techniques 
like: foundation models, synthetic data, automated machine learning, 
low-data machine learning), change and continuity in high-technology 
capitalism, digital
labour (including data science, platform labour and algorithmic 
management), digital media and class, gender and race, 
ethical/responsible/socially-beneficial artificial intelligence, digital 
infrastructures (networks, clouds, platforms). In sum, applicants 
interested broadly in digital, especially algorithmic, media will be 
considered.

The candidate will be skilled in qualitative research methods and 
theoretical analysis based on political economy, media theory, science 
and technology studies, cultural studies and/or philosophy of 
technology. The candidate will also contribute to Dr. Steinhoff’s 
ongoing research project focusing on contemporary changes in the 
technological infrastructure of data-intensive capitalism and the 
socioeconomic implications of a shift towards a post-
surveillance data economy. The candidate will be allocated a work desk 
in a shared PhD student room.

Research Area
The post-holder will draw from interdisciplinary research grounded in 
critical media and communication studies, science and technology 
studies, political economy, cultural studies and/or philosophy of 
technology. Other research backgrounds may include, but are not 
exclusive to: sociology, information science and critical theory.

Responsibilities
The post-holder will be expected to write and successfully defend a PhD 
thesis focused on the areas listed in the description of the post and 
meet the degree requirements set by UCD to advance through the PhD 
programme. The candidate is also expected to produce research outputs in 
relation to their doctoral research and attend conferences to 
disseminate the research findings. The post-holder will be working 
closely with their supervisor to produce outputs on their combined 
research areas. The candidate will ideally produce single-, first-, and 
co-authored research by the end of the post.
The candidate is expected to take part in seminars, workshops, and 
events organised within the School and across University College Dublin 
that are relevant to the project. The post-holder will be expected to 
contribute to the intellectual life of the School and university, and 
participate in research activities to the level and extent of their 
qualifications. The candidate will also be expected to complete a total 
of 30 ECTS credits spread across the post as part of the university’s 
structured PhD path. Finally, the candidate will engage in teaching and 
tutor training in the course of their studies.

Role profile
Candidates are expected to be familiar with and/or proficient in 
qualitative methodologies including, but not limited to, interviews, 
frame analysis, discourse and policy analysis, planning and stakeholder 
analysis, field work and participatory observation in industry-related 
events. Candidates should be prepared to engage with a range of critical 
theories and approaches.

Post Requirements
Strong command of English is essential. English proficiency at the C2 or 
C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages 
(CEFR) is required.
Candidates are expected to hold a Master’s Degree in Media and 
Communication, Science and Technology Studies or a related field.
The candidate should be able to demonstrate exceptional organisational 
experience and skills.
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate an ability to 
integrate robust theories in the humanities and social sciences with 
rigorous empirical analysis of industrial and scientific material on 
digital technologies.
Applications are open to students of all nationalities and backgrounds. 
Women and people of colour are especially encouraged to apply.

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via UCD’s application portal (a €50 
application fee applies):
https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/graduateapplicants/applying/ 
<https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/graduateapplicants/applying/>

The candidate should apply to Programme Code W139.

The School of Information and Communication Studies requires PhD 
applicants to submit their curriculum vitae, an applicant statement, and 
a personal statement. Candidates are advised to describe their research 
interests, explain why they believe this position fits their profile, 
and include a brief description of the topic they would like to explore 
in their PhD project. In addition to that, applicants should submit a 
writing sample, preferably a piece that has been published or a chapter 
of a thesis, as additional information. Online interviews will be 
conducted with shortlisted candidates shortly after the closing date. 
Applications will be reviewed through our system of open, transparent, 
and merit-based recruitment of researchers.

For any questions related to this post please contact James Steinhoff at 
(james.steinhoff /at/ ucd.ie) <mailto:(james.steinhoff /at/ ucd.ie)>



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