Research Technologist for the ‚Unmasking Supply Chains‘ Project (3 years, full-time)

Your Tasks

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively participate in the Supply Chain Investigations Lab, working in close collaboration with the doctoral researchers, students, and the principal investigator.
  
  • Propose, develop, and implement new methods and tools for the Supply Chain Investigations Lab, for example for data collection, processing and analysis. This includes exploring automation and critically-informed use of artificial intelligence in the context of the Lab.
    
  • Establish and maintain digital security and data protection practices for the Lab.
    
  • Document the data models, methodologies, and tools developed for the Lab for use by non-technical researchers and students, and maintain this documentation as the Lab's methods evolve.
    
• Participate in the preparation and implementation of project-related training activities for students and partners, for example on open source investigations.
  
• Co-develop a training curriculum and research guide on supply chain investigations.
  
• Present work at academic or non-academic conferences.
  
• Contribute to project-related outcomes and publications.

Your Profile

QUALIFICATIONS

• Completed Bachelor degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Computational Social Sciences, or similar and at least 5 years of relevant work experience, OR a Master’s degree or equivalent in any of the aforementioned subjects and at least 3 years of relevant work experience, OR a PhD in any of the aforementioned or similar subjects and relevant practical experience.
  
• A demonstrable interest in or knowledge of open source investigations and human rights. Knowledge of business and human rights or supply chain investigations is an asset.
  
• Working-level command of English language, other languages are an asset.
  
• Proficient in extracting data from the internet via both official (API) and unofficial (scraping) methods.
  
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, R).
  
• Proficient with data munging, cleaning, analysis, and visualisation.
  
• Strong understanding of open source software principles and experience in contributing to open source projects.
  
• Experience in software development.
  
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Github).
  
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
  
• Proficient with Linux and the command line.
  
• Familiarity with generative AI technologies (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) and an interest in learning about the critically informed application of machine learning methodologies to open source research.
  
• Familiarity with network analysis/mapping and graph databases.
  
• Desirable: familiarity with follow-the money methodologies and supply chain mapping methods and software tools.
  
  Note: we do not expect applicants to meet all the requirements, but we expect you to be curious and have the necessary skills and knowledge to quickly acquire new relevant skills in the process of performing your functions (you will be given time to do so). If you think that you would be a good fit for the position, we encourage you to apply even if you do not have all the qualifications listed here.
  
  ADDITIONAL SKILLS
  
  
• Ability to work across disciplines
  
• Ability to explain/translate technical concepts and processes to a non-technical audience.
  
• Ability to critically reflect on the use of technology and interest in doing so.
  
• Curiosity.
  
• Creativity.
  
• Ability to self-organise and self-motivate.
  
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Benefits: We Have a Lot To Offer

• Regular promotion to the next level and increase in salary pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement for the public service of the German Länder (TV-L) or remuneration pursuant to the Bavarian Public Servants Remuneration Act (BayBesG) plus an additional annual bonus
  
• 30 days annual leave at five working days per week with additional free days on December 24 and 31
  
• Occupational pension scheme and asset accumulation savings scheme

• Place of work within comfortable walking distance of public transport
  
• Family-friendly environment with childcare options, also during school holidays
  
• Flexible working hours
  
• Training courses and opportunities for professional development

Notice

For all job postings, the following applies: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität promotes equal professional opportunities for women. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.

Severely disabled persons as defined by the German Severely Disabled Persons Act will be given preferential consideration if they have the same professional qualifications and personal aptitude and if the advertised position is suitable for severely disabled persons. Details can be found in the respective job posting under “Remarks.”

At the applicant’s request, the Equal Opportunities Officer may be included in the job interview without any disadvantage to the applicant.

All advertised positions are generally suitable for part-time work unless stated otherwise in the job posting.