Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Field of Digital Criminology 2021, University of Oslo, Norway

Digital DNA studies the changing relationships between digital technologies, DNA and evidence. It focuses on three developments in specific: (1) Hardware: It investigates how smaller and more mobile hardware influences the production of DNA evidence, and how DNA is used as hardware in computing. (2) Databases and analytic instruments: It studies how DNA databases and their algorithmic analysis influence the production of DNA evidence, and to what extent digital databases and algorithms are associated with evidence-based reasoning. (3) Information per se: It discusses how the ability to alter DNA influences the production of forensic evidence, and how DNA influences the concept of digital data.

The project has strong empirical components. In order to contribute to these, the candidate must have training in qualitative methods, as well as basic competences in sociological research on technology. Science and Technology Studies will be an important framework for studying these developments.

Together with Kaufmann, the candidate will work on developments (1) and (2) with a focus on the influence of DNA and evidence-based reasoning on data practices and computation technologies. Under (1) the candidate would study processes and scientific cultures of DNA-computing and other forms of bio-computing. This is completed with (2) an analysis of the scientific status of data, analytic tools and evidence as anchored in the natural sciences and the philosophy of science. All studies take place in the UK and Norway. The candidate is not expected to have in-depth knowledge about specific technologies and data practices from before. However, through genealogical analyses, interviews and fieldwork the candidate shall develop an understanding of how DNA-computing works and how the enduring scientific status of digital data practices can be explained.

The candidate will get the chance to build an international network. In the course of the project, the candidate will have the opportunity to meet key scholars in this field, who are part of the project’s Advisory Board.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree (PhD) in criminology or other relevant social science background.
• The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• The candidate must be qualified to work theoretically and empirically in the described project. 
• Applicants must submit a project description of 5-10 pages explaining how they would tackle their research task in the given time period. The candidate must have training in qualitative methods, as well as basic competences in sociological research on technology. 
• The project language is English and the applicants should have an excellent command of the English language, written and spoken. A good command of a Scandinavian language is also an advantage, though not a condition.

• Salary 535 200 – 597 000 NOK per annum depending on qualifications (position code 1352)
• Academically stimulating working environment 
• Pension arrangements in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 
• Welfare arrangements

For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.