PhD student applicants for: The Department of Science & Technology Studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

The Department of Science & Technology Studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) invites applications for an incoming Ph.D. student with interests in the intersections of STS, particularly non-Anglo STS (e.g. Latin American or African STS), and infrastructure studies. Students interested in infrastructures and design, queer/crip/feminist theories, and research into legacy and impact of mega-events are particularly encouraged to apply.

The incoming student will receive funding for one year under the supervision of Dr. Raquel Velho, Assistant Professor of Science and Technology Studies. Among the student’s responsibilities will be assisting Dr. Velho in her research project on the infrastructural impact of mega-events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the possibility of accompanying her to complete fieldwork in one of many sites (London, Rio de Janeiro, Atlanta). The student will also collaborate in the generation of publications and grant applications; mentor the department’s undergraduate students in the Design, Innovation, and Society and Science and Technology Studies majors; and pursue their own independent research.

The incoming student will be fully funded for one year, which includes tuition, a stipend for one academic year, and funding for one summer. There is the possibility for this to be extended, contingent upon funding. The student will also have the opportunity to fund the remainder of their graduate education through internal and external grant funding, Fellowships, or through Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant positions within the Department of Science & Technology Studies which also cover full tuition and offer a competitive stipend.

Interested students must apply directly to the Ph.D. program in STS, and in their application letter should (1) demonstrate their fit for the RPI STS program, including alignment with faculty research and departmental culture, and (2) indicate their interest and appropriateness for the Infrastructure Studies funding line. For questions about the position and its related research project, please contact Dr. Velho at velhor@rpi.edu. For further questions about the Ph.D. program in STS, please contact the 
Graduate Program Director, Dr. Atsushi Akera, at akeraa@rpi.edu. Additional information about the Ph.D. program in STS can be found at http://www.sts.rpi.edu/pl/graduate-curriculum-s20