The Faculty of Science is looking for a:

PhD candidate - quantum & society: empirical outreach on quantum science and technology for communication and attitude measurements
Vacancy number: 22-760

Project description
This PhD project aims at empirically developing and studying outreach on quantum science and technology. The objectives are to study current outreach on quantum science and technology and to develop impact measurements on such outreach. In addition, we ask you to develop new outreach based on these results and to evaluate the developed outreach. Finally, you work towards a more general advice on future outreach on quantum science and technology and other fundamental sciences and new technologies. This project is supervised by the PI Julia Cramer, and co-supervised by the promotors Ivo van Vulpen and Sense Jan van der Molen.

This position is funded by the Growth Fund of Quantum Delta NL, a Dutch collaboration that is creating a national ecosystem for excellence in quantum innovation, for highly talented professionals to bring quantum computers, quantum networks and quantum sensors to the market. One of the action lines focusses on the Ethical, Legal and Societal aspects of quantum technology. We are part of this action line, focusing on the societal impact.

The research group ‘Quantum and Society’, led by Julia Cramer, studies the societal impact of quantum technology from a science communication perspective. We are an interdisciplinary group affiliated with the Faculty of Science, connected to quantum physics (LION) and Science Communication and Society (IBL), using methods from the social sciences.

Our research group focuses on studying the boundary between quantum technology and society via:

• Content analyses of existing communication about quantum science and technology such as outreach by experts, media coverage, and policy documents.
• Development of instruments to measure the attitude and engagement of specific societal groups towards and with quantum technology and their concerns, questions and expectations of quantum technology.
• Research into the effect of empirically developed interventions on participants in such interventions.

Key responsibilities
In this PhD, you will study and develop outreach in quantum science and technology, publish academic papers on your findings and present your work at academic conferences and outreach events. You will build your own network and work in and on a new and interdisciplinary research field. You will assist with student supervision and teaching and complete a PhD thesis in four years.

Selection Criteria

• Research Master, MSc or similar in (quantum) physics, with affinity or extra courses in science & technology studies, innovation studies, communication research, science communication or other relevant directions;
• Excellent social skills enabling you to work in a growing interdisciplinary field;
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English;
• Preference for fluency in Dutch language due to the nature of the project;
• Background or experience in statistics and impact measurements are preferred;
• Affinity with new technologies and fundamental sciences.

Terms and conditions
The starting date of the PhD program is ideally in the first quarter of 2023. 
We offer a full-time, one year term position, with the possibility of renewal for an additional maximum of three year based on performance.
Salary range from €2542,- tot €3247,-  gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Leiden University
Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities. Thanks to its committed and inspired employees, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Leiden also scores very well every year in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential.

Research at our faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,500 staff and almost 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and  https://workingat.leiden.edu/