Postdoctoral Position: Epistemology of Digital Humanitarianism

Project

• Partnership between Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Canada Research Chair in Applied Epistemology and the Centre interuniversitaire de recherche sur la science et la technologie (CIRST)
• Case study of MSF REACH (REaction Assessment Collaboration Hub) from the perspective of applied epistemology
• Using machine learning techniques, ‘REACH combines institutional data with crowd-sourced information in order to share the most updated information in real-time, equipping MSF with virtual eyes on the ground’. The project aims at ‘improving information management and fostering more efficient decision-making’.

Research objectives

• Identify, on the basis of empirical observations and using the resources of applied epistemology (social and naturalised) and STS (Science and Technology Studies), the epistemic strengths and weaknesses of MSF REACH;
• Lay the groundwork for thinking about improving the epistemic value of emergency data production by making use of the contributions of various ameliorative programs in the literature.

Financing

• $ 45,000 (CAD) for 15 months

Conditions

• Starting in September 2018
• Be present in Montreal and Sherbrooke, and participate in the activities of the CIRST and the Canada Research Chair in Applied Epistemology
• PhD completed in the last 5 years
• Not being simultaneously funded by another Canadian institution (SSHRC, FRQSC, etc.)

The ideal candidate would meet the following conditions

• Knowledge of applied epistemology (system-oriented social epistemology, socio-technical epistemology) or related STS work
• Knowledge of social studies of information technologies and artificial intelligence
• Experience with interview techniques in the social sciences
• English proficiency and at least an intermediate level in French
• Strong interest in emergency humanitarian work (work experience in this area is an asset)
• Capacity for autonomous work
• Ability to be accountable for one’s work

Please send your application to François Claveau. The documents should include:

• A letter describing the relevant skills, experiences and research interests
• A CV including the contact details of at least two persons who can act as references
• A proof of graduation

The deadline for application is 29 June 2018. If you have questions, please contact jean-francois.dube@usherbrooke.ca