RWTH Aachen University

Ref.: 534005 Work type: Full-time Department: Faculty of Social Sciences (30000) Categories: Teaching Staff Applications are invited for an appointment as Senior Lecturer in Computational Social Science and Digital Literacy (Ref.: 534005) in the Faculty of Social Sciences, to commence as soon as possible, on a two-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance. The Faculty of Social Sciences (FOSS) offers a wide range of undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes that integrate quantitative, computational and social science approaches. The appointee will play a key role in advancing the Faculty’s offerings in Computational Social Sciences (CSS), Master of Social Sciences in Social Data Analytics (MSDA) and Maser of Public Administration (MPA). The appointee will contribute to teaching and curriculum development across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, supervise graduate capstone projects, support programme operations (including admissions, recruitment, and digital promotion activities), advise students on their academic and professional development, and contribute to cross‑disciplinary collaborations within the Faculty and the University. Duties and Responsibilities The appointee will teach and coordinate the following courses (or their equivalents): Undergraduate (UG) Courses FOSS – Introduction to Computational Social Science  SOCI – Programming for Social Scientists  AILT – Digital Literacy Through a Social Sciences Lens Taught Postgraduate (TPg) Courses MSDA – Statistical Foundations  MSDA – Causal Inference in the Social Sciences  SOCI – Quantitative Research Methods Selection Criteria Applicants should possess a Master’s degree or above in Computational Social Science, Data Analytic Statistics, Sociology, Political Science, Public Policy or a relevant social science discipline with strong quantitative focus. Priority will be given to those with: The ability to teach Machine Learning, Programming (Python-based), Natural language processing and Social Network Analysis courses on modern computational social science methods at the graduate level; A track record of completed projects working with computational models and large-scale social science data; Post-qualification working experience in relevant professional or academic settings; Interdisciplinary teaching and research; and Experience working with persons from diverse social, cultural and linguistic backgrounds is expected, alongside excellent communication skills in English. What We Offer A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. At current rates, salaries tax does not exceed 15% of gross income. The appointment will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary. How to Apply The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online, and upload (1) a cover letter; (2) an up-to-date CV; and (3) a teaching statement. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until January 9, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.

Microbial Ecology and Evolution Research group led by Professor Ville-Petri Friman at the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with background in molecular virology, microbiology and metagenomics/metaviromics to a Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation funded project: ‘Discovering the benefits of plant growth-promoting bacteriophages About the position: Plant growth is not only determined by the plant genotype but also by the presence of beneficial microbes that can boost plant growth by providing access to nutrients, defending plants against invading pathogens, and producing plant growth-promoting hormones. While increasing evidence suggests that phages can shape the composition, diversity and functioning of rhizosphere bacterial communities, we lack an understanding of how these changes are associated with plant health and growth. The main aim of this project is to experimentally study how phages can boost plant growth and to determine the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms of phage-mediated plant growth-promotion. Even though phages do not directly interact with plants, they can indirectly affect plant growth by interacting with plant-associated rhizosphere bacteria. For example, lytic phages can infect and kill plant-pathogenic bacterial taxa and reduce their relative abundances alleviating plant disease symptoms. Selective killing of bacterial taxa can also lead to the enrichment of plant growth-promoting bacteria in the rhizosphere, which could result in improved plant growth. Moreover, by killing bacteria, lytic phages release nutrients in the rhizosphere, which could help plants sequester and assimilate resources to support their growth. Finally, temperate phages can integrate into bacterial chromosomes and provision bacteria with additional genes (auxiliary metabolic genes, or AMGs for short) that do not only improve bacterial survival but could also boost the expression of plant growth-promoting functions. In this project, we will use a highly trackable tomato rhizosphere model system to directly study if phages can boost plant growth by interacting with rhizosphere bacterial communities in the plant roots. Specifically, we will focus on understanding the importance of three key mechanisms of phage-mediated plant growth-promotion: i) Release of nutrients in the rhizosphere due to the killing of bacteria by phages, ii) Selective enrichment of plant growth-promoting bacteria in the rhizosphere by phages, and iii) Provisioning of bacteria with plant growth-promoting functional genes by temperate phages. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with experience in molecular virology, microbiology and metagenomics/metaviromics to join our international team. The candidate should hold PhD degree in microbiology, bioinformatics or related field, and good written and verbal communication skills in English are necessary. The postdoctoral position is for 4 years starting in April 2026.  Requirements Doctoral degree in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, bioinformatics or another relevant field. The degree requirement (doctoral degree) must be met by the beginning of the employment. Experience in bioinformatics and metagenomic and/or metaviromic analyses. Experience or knowledge in plant biology/pathology, plant-microbe interactions, microbial ecology, evolution or phage biology are desirable. Ability to conceive, execute, and complete research projects independently. Creativity and good group-working skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. What we offer Competitive salary, high-quality local infrastructure and a top-level interdisciplinary and international collaboration network. State-of-art computational resources from the Finnish IT Center for Science (CSC). Additional training for microbial bioinformatics and plant pathology (if needed). Possibility to visit collaborators at the Nanjing Agricultural University, and other Universities, depending on training needs and candidate preferences. Supportive and non-discriminative working environment. The salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be ca. 3600-3800 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. A six-month trial period will be applied. The workplace of the position is in Helsinki, Finland. How to apply Please submit your application as a single pdf file in English using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System. Please include the following in your application:  A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) including descriptions of the candidate’s: background and methodological skills relevant for the position research interest or a vision for the research conducted in this position past experience on working in multidisciplinary groups or research environments CV that includes a list of publications  Names and contact details of two referees  External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via Apply Now button. Applicants who have a helsinki.fi -username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher’s contract or a visiting researcher’s contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the Employee login. The deadline for the applications is 2.2.2026 (at 23.59 EET), while the preferred start date is the 1.4.2026. Further information The position: Professor Ville-Petri Friman (ville-petri.friman@helsinki.fi) University of Helsinki recruitment system: HR Specialist Mirkka Juntunen (via HR Services uni-help@helsinki.fi) https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-agriculture-and-forestry/research/microbiology https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/microbial-ecology-and-evolution https://villefrimanscience.weebly.com/ About the Department of Microbiology and Finland The department of Microbiology is part of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and is located on the Viikki campus. The research focuses on microbial ecology and evolution, as well as the application of microbiology in agriculture and forestry, food production, medicine, environmental sciences and microbial biotechnology. The mission of the faculty is to promote the sustainable use of renewable natural resources, covering the full natural resource chain from farm to fork, the entire field of forest sciences from soil chemistry to marketing, as well as the environmental effects of related activities. www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-agriculture-and-forestry Finland is one of the most livable countries, with a high quality of life, safety and excellent education system. Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality and inexpensive childcare, free schooling and tertiary training (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families. The successful candidate will receive the benefits provided by the University of Helsinki to university employees, including occupational health care services, and obtain access to high-quality public affordable childcare services and schools. A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University. JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER! #HelsinkiUniCareers

Organisation: Cranfield University Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered. Contract type: Fixed term contract Fixed Term Period: For 12 months Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £28,929 to £33,825 per annum Apply by: 18/01/2026 Role Description We welcome applications from passionate, skilled, committed individuals to join our team. About the Role The Design Engineering Technical Developer will provide critical support to the Senior Lecturer in Product Design Engineering and the Centre for Digital Design Engineering team in design engineering and prototype development for the Cranfield Circular Toilet Project, a Gates Foundation-funded initiative developing next-generation sanitation solutions for global deployment. This role is essential to address the significant increase in prototyping deliverables, to ensure timely delivery of project outputs to commercial partners. The successful candidate will work on breakthrough innovations in sanitation technology, contributing directly to solutions that will impact global health and sustainability for billions of people worldwide. By leveraging extensive knowledge in design engineering and proven capabilities in prototype development, the postholder will help deliver multiple new prototypes on schedule. This role offers the opportunity to work independently on complex engineering challenges while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, making a tangible difference in advancing Cranfield’s reputation as a leading powerhouse of innovation in design engineering. About You You should hold a Master’s Degree. You should also be good at creating detailed CAD models for all sanitation system components and assemblies, preparing engineering drawings and technical specifications, and optimising the designs for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness. You should have excellent SolidWorks skills in modelling 3D parts and working systems, preferably with experience in developing sanitation-based technologies. A demonstrable track record of innovation through patents and prototyping is an advantage. You must be able to show evidence that you are a named inventor on any innovation you are presenting. You must be able to independently lead the development of a technology stream within Cranfield’s reinvented toilet portfolio, with minimal oversight. About Us As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here. Cranfield’s Manufacturing, Materials and Design Theme has been following the ambitious strategy of developing a roadmap for Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Sectors for 2050 by applying fundamental science and thought leadership via conceiving and maturing in the concepts of Smart, Clean and Green manufacturing solutions agnostically across all sectors, and through all tiers of the supply chain. This is to support the national aspiration of Net Zero UK by 2050. We offer world-class and niche postgraduate level research, education, training and consultancy. We are unique in our multidisciplinary approach, by bringing together design, materials’ technology and management expertise. We link fundamental materials research with manufacturing to develop novel technologies and improve the science base of the manufacturing research. Our capabilities are unique, with a focus on simulation and modelling, and sustainability. They also include work in composite manufacture, metallic glasses, nanomaterials (graphene, carbon nanotubes, coatings and sensors), low energy casting, thermal barrier coatings, and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). Find out more about our work here. Our Values and Commitments Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here. Working Arrangements Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners. How to apply                                    For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Matt Collins, Senior Lecturer in Product Design Engineering, on (E): m.collins@cranfield.ac.uk Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5180. Closing date for receipt of applications: 18 January 2026 Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.