The Sussex Digital Humanities Lab call for our 2023-2024 PhD community advocates is now open to applications.

The aim of this call is to help create a coherent network of PhD students who work on areas of research related to the SHL Digital. This year's call is focused on developing connections between and beyond the University with a thematic focus around AI. 

Who are we

The Sussex Digital Humanities Lab (SHL Digital) is an interdisciplinary and cross-campus Centre of Excellence at the University of Sussex. Founded in 2014 SHL Digital is physical and intellectual place for experimentation and critical play, a space led by ideas supported by technology. 

Our members span the arts, humanities, law, engineering, informatics, social science, life sciences, and the University library. Our research has a wide reach, from community archives to AI, media theory to conservation technology, critical heritage to intersectional feminism, digital humanities to experimental music technology and critical making. 

Description of the role

The selected candidates will be required to contribute on average 12 hours per month for the duration of the PhD Community Advocate period (3 months from April 2024). These hours will be flexible and dependent on planned activities and events. Some of this time may be spent in the physical lab space, at times to be agreed, but the Advocates will also be expected to manage their own time, exploring the needs of fellow doctoral researchers, and developing initiatives to support them. 

SHL PhD Community Advocates will need to work together effectively and flexibly as a self-managing team, including regular contact by email/other social media and face-to-face meetings as required. 

It is hoped that PhD Community Advocates will represent different disciplines. As such we encourage and welcome applications from across all schools. 

PhD Community Advocates will work together to: 

• Imagine, plan, and deliver a series of research or social events that nourish SHL Digital’s research environment. These may include research exchange seminars, coffee mornings, readings groups, but must include a research symposium on topics concerning AI from multi-disciplinary perspectives. 
• Inform/help develop open workshop series and seminars, among other initiatives to develop a PhD community. 
• Promote SHL Digital's events and activities to PhD communities within University of Sussex and beyond. 
• Document activity in the form of a blog post on our website. 
• Any other reasonable duties in support of the Sussex Digital Humanities Lab within the remit of this call

What we offer 

• The possibility to explore and expand research interests around the thematic focus with strong links across campus and beyond. 
• Up to 40 hours work paid at grade 5 
• A small budget to run events, and the chance to shape the intellectual agenda and contribute to SHL Digital thriving research culture. 
• Supervision and support from SHL Director Dr Sharon Webb, Programme Manager Elena Dennison, and Administrator and Communications Officer, Kate Malone.
  

What we expect / key deliverable

A key deliverable from the selected PhDs will be to organise a collaborative, cross disciplinary, research symposium across the Sussex PhD community exploring topics that innovate, apply or critique AI. This should include PhD students, and also invited speakers from Sussex faculty and/or other institutions as appropriate. 

How to apply 

The role of PhD Community Advocates is open to Sussex doctoral researchers whose research aligns with the SHL Digital mission and are registered for the full term of the position. This opportunity is open to researchers already holding a scholarship, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm that their existing scholarship role would permit them to apply. 

To apply send us the following by email to shl@sussex.ac.uk: 

• a statement clearly outlining how you meet the person specification (max 1 side of A4) 
• a flavour of the things you’d like to do should you be selected (max 1 side of A4) 
• a short CV 

The closing date for applications is midnight on 31st January 2024. 

For an informal discussion about the PhD Community Advocate role, please contact Dr Sharon Webb, Joint Director: sharon.webb@sussex.ac.uk 

Download here the full call document.

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