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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Internet and ICTs are radically changing the way in which academic research
is carried out. This is having far-reaching consequences on information and
communication processes in the sciences and humanities. The NIWI research
group Networked Research and Digital Information (Nerdi) has recently begun
a programme of research to chart these changes.  NIWI is an Institute of the
Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) with a focus on
research and data-structure within the field of scientific communication and
information. Within Nerdi?s programme, a project has been funded by NWO (the
Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research) to study the use of
metaphors within networks.

To pursue this one year project, Nerdi is seeking

1  researcher (M/F)

Vacancy number PZ  014 (40 hours full-time  *1)

The successful applicant will be part of Nerdi?s team that presently
consists of  seven people. The project falls under the themes of
collaboration and research methods, as laid out in our research programme
(http://www.niwi.knaw.nl/nerdi).

Present team members are concentrating on:

-ethnographic research on the role of trust in data-sharing
-network analysis
-quantitative research on Web based scientific information
-modelling and simulating of innovation processes
-quality control in science and scholarship
-access to scientific information
-metaphors in scientific communication
The Project

The project to be pursued is entitled: Metaphors of Databases as Early
Indicators of Integration and Support in Scientific Research Networks. It
addresses contemporary scientific databases, as created within dynamic and
heterogeneous networks of actors, institutions and technologies. Within
these networks, databases are conceptualised by using various metaphors,
such as data as ?a resource to be mined?. The aim of this project is to
study the complex interactions within networks, by analysing their
communication.

The project will therefore examine metaphors as early indicators of the
integration and support of emerging databases in research networks. In order
to gain insight into database-building processes, the richness and diversity
of metaphors, used in communications and conceptualisation of databases,
will be explored. The substantial focus is on three database projects in the
field of human and population genetics.

Applicants should hold a PhD (or be awarded their PhD shortly) and be
available to start work in the short term. They should have research
experience in one (or more) of the dimensions of the project (discourse or
metaphor analysis, study of databases, policy relevant indicators).

Job responsibilities

The researcher?s main responsibility will be to pursue the project. She will
also be expected to take part in the intellectual life and general research
activities of Nerdi.

Education and experience

1. Demonstrable relevant research experience, attested by a PhD degree and
publications in peer reviewed journals.
2. An excellent knowledge of English, both oral and written.
3. Experience in qualitative methods of research.
4. Candidates should be able to work in a project-oriented manner, with a
measure of autonomy.
Location:                Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Salary:    The appointment will be made in scale 10 or 11 BBRA, with a
maximum full-time gross salary of 2884 euros per month

Starting date:                1 March 2003 or as soon as possible
thereafter.

For further information about the project and this position, please contact:
Dr. Anne Beaulieu, email:[log in to unmask]

Please send applications before 3 February 2003, detailing your interest and
suitability for this position, and a C.V., marked with vacancy number PZ
014,  to:

NIWI (PZ014), Personnel Department, PO Box 95110, 1090 HC Amsterdam, the
Netherlands

email: [log in to unmask]

*1:          The reduction in working hours ruling applies here. This ruling
allows some flexibility in working hours, in specific circumstances.



Dr Anne Beaulieu
Networked research and digital information
KNAW-Netherlands Royal Academy of Arts and Science
Joan Muyskenweg 25
Postbus 95110
1090 HC Amsterdam
The Netherlands
tel: (31)(20)462-8739
fax: (31(20)665-8013
http://www.niwi.knaw.nl/nerdi/anne/home.htm