SCEBE/21S/008/MM

Background and Rationale

It is widely recognized that humanity is unlikely to tackle the challenge of climate change without technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to a zero-carbon society, and facilitating adaptation. However, critical scholars concerned with climate technology have noted that its use is uneven across society, and that top-down approaches to technology development and deployment frequently lead to benefits for some while negatively affecting others, thus exacerbating socio-economic inequalities. At the same time, this techno-managerial approach to climate tech precludes the incorporation of valuable local knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, particularly from social groups that are marginalized due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, colonial status, ethnicity, class, age, and disability, and other categories. This is why new approaches are required in order to minimize these negative implications and ensure technological solutions not only address climate impacts but also contribute to social emancipation and climate justice for all.

Project details

In light of these critical observations, the Centre for Climate Justice and the School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment (SCEBE) at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) are soliciting applications for an interdisciplinary, fully-funded 3-year studentship which will combine insights from Science & Technology Studies (STS), Climate Justice, and Intersectionality and address one of the following key areas of interest at SCEBE:

– Applied games and engaging technologies

– Renewable energy technologies

– Sustainable materials and structures

– Nature-based solutions and Eco-engineering

– Artificial Intelligence + IoT

We are particularly (though not exclusively) interested in proposals focusing on sexual and gender minorities and their role in climate technology development which draw from STS, queer and/or intersectionality theories. We strongly encourage applicants to follow an applied approach which may involve new technology development, testing, piloting, and/or evaluation.

The successful applicant will be jointly affiliated with the Centre for Climate Justice and one of the relevant research groups at SCEBE.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in a relevant field, and preferably a Master’s degree or relevant work experience. Experience in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering and social sciences is highly desirable, as is a history of using mixed research methodologies. We enthusiastically welcome applications from members of minorities historically underrepresented in STEM research.

How to apply

The following documents are required as part of the application:

– Completed online GCU application form

– CV

– Cover letter which explains the applicant’s theoretical and methodological suitability for the project and their long-term career goals

– Research proposal (1,000 words maximum, excluding references), which should include a project background & rationale, objective(s), research questions, methodology, and timeline.

If you have any queries regarding this posting, please contact Dr. Michael Mikulewicz at michael.mikulewicz@gcu.ac.uk

Bench fees 

Yes, but TBC at a later date based on the selected proposal.