University of Toulouse 

Deadline: June 24, 2019

The Political Economy of Digital Platform Regulation  Laboratoire d’Études et de Recherches Appliquées en Sciences Sociales  (LERASS),  University Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3 

Job Title: Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN Early Stage Researcher 

Full Time and Fixed Term: up to 34 Months 

Research Fellow:€41,425 gross p.a. (before national taxation and deductions) 

Start Date: October 2019 

The Laboratoire d’Études et de Recherches Appliquées en Sciences  Sociales (LERASS) at University Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3 (UPS) is  offering a PhD position to develop research on the Political Economy of  Digital Platform Regulation. The researcher will advance the theoretical  understanding of, and best-practice approaches to, the regulation of  digital platforms such as social networking sites and search engines  (Google, Facebook, Apple, Snapchat, Twitter etc.) by public authorities. 

Applicants are asked to consider the nature, scope and strategies of the different actors (governments, platforms, EU, NGOs, pressure groups,  media) that are involved in discussing, imposing and implementing the  regulatory framework on digital platforms and infomediation services  when it comes to issues such as disinformation, hate speech, online  propaganda, media pluralism and political polarization. Applications are  welcome from journalism studies, media studies, sociology, economics,  political science, internet studies, law and all related fields. 

The successful candidate will undertake full-time PhD research. In  addition to fulfilling the requirements of the training programme of the  University of Toulouse doctoral school in social sciences and  humanities, the successful candidate will receive a personalized  training plan to develop skills for future employment in academia or  industry. This will include participation in JOLT training events (to  develop domain specific skills, general research skills, and  transferable skills) and secondments/work- placements in different  research environments. All costs are fully funded (100% employment) by  the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, which also offers highly  attractive salary and allowance conditions. 

Requirements (in addition to those outlined above): 

• A Master’s degree or equivalent (300 ECTS credits) 
• English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5) 

Requirements and Application Details 

Eligibility Requirements:All applicants should ensure and demonstrate  compliance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie rules: (1) Applicants may be  of any nationality, but must not have resided in or carried out their  main activity (work or study) in the host country (FRANCE) for more than  12 of the 36 months prior to recruitment. This condition excludes short  stays such as holidays. (2) Applicants must have less than four years  research experience (full-time equivalent) and must not have obtained a  PhD. Registration on taught programmes such as undergraduate degrees or  taught Masters degrees do not count as research experience. (3)  Applicants must be willing to travel for two secondments or  work-placements (where each is approximately 4 weeks in duration).  Salary and Benefits:The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) offers highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions. These  include a living allowance/salary (€41,425 gross per annum), a mobility  allowance (€7,200 gross per annum), and a family allowance if applicable (€6,000 gross per annum). Expenses such as registration fees and  training are covered by the JOLT network. PLEASE NOTE: In line with MSCA  regulations, the values above relate to total employer gross values and  are subject to both employer and employee tax and charges. Please see  http://www.euraxess.fr/france/information-assistancefor further details. 

Responsibilities of the Early Stage Researcher 

• To manage and carry out the research project within the project  timescale.
 
• To write a PhD dissertation.  
• To participate in research and training activities within the JOLT  network. 
• To publish articles and deliver presentations to the research community 
• To participate in public outreach and engagement.  
• To participate in JOLT meetings and the organisation of JOLT events.  
• To liaise with relevant research staff and students  
• To write progress reports and prepare results for publication.  
• To attend progress and management meetings as required. 

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents by email to  lerass.jolt@iut-tlse3.frcompiled in the following order into a single  PDF file: Research Proposal outlining your understanding of the topic,  proposed theoretical approach, methodology, field for empirical  research, and potential significance/contribution to existing state of  the art (max. 2000 words); Curriculum Vitae (including two referees’  contact details); Certificates/Transcripts of Degree and/or Master degree. 

Closing Date for Applications: 24 June 2019. Selected candidates will be  invited for interview between June 26 and 28. Interviews may be  conducted in person or electronically.