STEP - Science and Technology in the European Periphery

Assistant Professor in STS (5yr fixed term)

The Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems at the Graduate
University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai) invites applications for a
five-year position in science and technology studies at the
assistant-professor level. The position is renewable for five more
years.
The appointment starts on April 1, 2011. The successful candidate is
expected to pursue an independent research project in an STS-related
subject and to participate in department teaching program. The
teaching duties include offering approximately one course on STS per
year and supervising independent studies.
Applicants are required to have a Ph. D. or an equivalent degree at
hand (or a dissertation expected to be completed by the time of
appointment) in social sciences or humanities. Applicants must be
able to offer an introductory course on science, technology, and
society for non-STS graduate students from various countries and to
supervise non-STS graduate students for their small research projects
on science and society. Knowledge of the Japanese language is
desirable but not required.
The place of appointment is the headquarter campus of Sokendai,
located in the scenic Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa, near the Tokyo
Metropolitan area. Salary and fringe benefits are determined in
accordance with the rules and regulations of Sokendai.
Sokendai is the umbrella institution encompassing national research
institutes around the country. At each campus, the University offers
training programs only at the graduate level. For more information
about Sokendai, visit our website:
http://www.soken.ac.jp/en/index.html.
The Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems is an
interdisciplinary department. It aims to train scientists who can
reflect on science’s role in society as well as STS scholars who are
familiar with everyday practices of scientists. For more information
about this department, visit our webpage:
http://www.soken.ac.jp/en/academics/evolutBiosystems.html.
The application package should include the followings:
1) Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
2) A summary of research accomplishments and future research plan (up
to three A4 pages).
3) A statement of teaching experience and teaching philosophy (up to
three A4 pages). You may attach any evidence of teaching experience
and skills, such as syllabi of courses taught and teaching
evaluations.
4) Copies of up to three representative publications. You may include
selected dissertation chapters.
5) A detailed (three or more A4 pages) syllabus designed for a
three-day intensive introductory STS course consisting of eight
90-minute classes for first-year graduate students specialized in
non-STS fields (mostly natural sciences). Include reading assignments
and suggestions for further readings.
6) Contact information of two references.

Applications must be received by Dec.24, 2010 12:00 Noon JST. Send
your application by registered mail to:

Dean's Office, The School of Advanced Studies, The Graduate University
for Advanced Studies, Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa, 240-0193,
Japan

Please mark in red on the envelope “Application for Assistant
Professorship (STS).” The application materials will not be returned
to applicants, and used for screening for this position. Short-listed
candidates will be invited for interviews in Hayama.

For inquiries, contact:
Professor Koji Hirata
Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, The Graduate
University for Advanced Studies Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa
240-0193, Japan.
Email: hirata@soken.ac.jp
Phone: +81-46-858-1520
Fax: +81-46-858-1544