Experienced Scientist (f/m/d) in the area of Societal Futures - #30805

As Austria's largest research and technology organisation for applied research, we are dedicated to make substantial contributions to solving the major challenges of our time, climate change and digitisation. To achieve our goals, we rely on our specific research, development and technology competencies, which are the basis of our commitment to excellence in all areas. With our open culture of innovation and our motivated, international teams, we are working to position AIT as Austria's leading research institution at the highest international level and to make a positive contribution to the economy and society.

The Center for Innovation Systems & Policy is looking for new Ingenious Partners for our location in Vienna. Within AIT our Center for Innovation Systems & Policy is a think tank and key partner for public administration, companies, universities and institutes in European research, technology, and innovation policies. With our in-depth analyses and strategic advisory services, we contribute to sustainable transformations in industry and society.

The Competence Unit Transformation Governance addresses questions of how research and innovation, as well as their framework conditions, can be designed to better contribute to addressing major societal challenges. Within this unit, the Societal Futures team specifically explores futures of diverse social, economic, and environmental conditions to support transformative research and innovation policies.

Experienced Scientist (f/m/d) in the area of Societal Futures

CENTER FOR INNOVATION SYSTEMS & POLICY

• You will work in an interdisciplinary, international team of experts and contribute to the advancement of research, technology, and innovation policy to support responsible, just and sustainable system transitions and transformations.
• You will conduct critical, creative and forward-looking research on social, economic, environmental, political and ethical implications of new technologies and social change processes.
• You will develop and apply foresight methods to foster co-creation and support decision-making (e.g. through AI-based and/or creative foresight approaches).

• You will acquire and lead projects with national and international partners.
• You will support decision-makers by translating complex analyses into policy recommendations and support the implementation of future-oriented actions.
• You will identify and shape responses to current and future societal challenges at the science-policy interface.
• You will make your results visible within the scientific community and in policy-relevant fora.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• Degree (PhD / master’s) in social, cultural or economic studies, with a particular focus on foresight, science and technology studies, technology assessment, future studies, innovation studies or related fields.
• A Ph.D. with a minimum of four years’ experience in the design and implementation of policy-relevant research and in acquiring and leading national and international projects (particularly EU level). We are also open to experienced candidates with a master’s degree.
• A visible position in relevant networks and communities of researchers working on e.g, emerging science and technology, geopolitical dynamics, systems of production, social innovations and consumption.
• Experience in writing research proposals, acquiring and leading national and international projects (among others, Horizon European, Creative Europe, Austrian Science Fund or other equivalent funding programs)
• Creativity and experience in developing and exploring innovative (qualitative or mixed) methods is an advantage (e.g., serious games, participatory formats, artistic approaches, AI-assisted foresight and scenario development).
• Ability to design and facilitate workshops and other participatory formats
• Very good communication skills, including the ability to communicate resultseffectively to policy- and decision-making audiences in the public and private sectors.
• Strong organisational skills, interpersonal competences, and experience thriving in collaborative and inter-/transdisciplinary research environments
• Excellent written and spoken German and English language skills

What to expect:

The minimum gross annual salary according to the collective agreement is EUR 61.334,-. The actual salary will be determined individually, based on your qualifications and experience. In addition, we offer various company benefits, travel support for conferences and networking, flexible working conditions including up to half-time home office in Austria, individual training and career development opportunities.

At AIT, we create an inclusive and family-friendly working environment that promotes equal opportunities and actively strengthens diversity across our workforce and in leadership positions. Among other initiatives, we are committed to increasing the proportion of women in our company and therefore particularly welcome applications from female applicants.

Please submit your application online including your CV (including names and contact details for two references), letter of motivation, relevant certificates (e.g. degrees) and a proof of identity: