The Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-Iscte) at Iscte - Knowledge and Innovation is opening a call for applications for three (3) scholarships for doctoral students in the context of the project "fAIces - Facial recognition technologies. Ethical-political agencies and alternative futures," with reference ERC Advanced Grant No. 10114066, funded by the European Commission through the European Research Council (ERC). 

SCIENTIFIC AREA
Social Sciences

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in one of the areas of Social Sciences and be enrolled in a Doctorate in one of the areas of Social Sciences (in accordance with Article 6 of the Research Scholarship Regulations of the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. (Reg. No. 950/2019).

PREFERENTIAL FACTORS
a. Research experience in Social Sciences, namely in the study of the relationships between science, technology, innovation, and society (subprojects 1 and 2), and/or in topics such as social movements, activism, surveillance (subproject 3).
b. Experience in qualitative methodologies, particularly in conducting interviews, document analysis, and digital and face-to-face ethnography.
c. Experience with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, MAXQDA).
d. Proficient (C1) command of spoken and written English.

DURATION OF THE SCHOLARSHIP
The scholarship will last for 12 months, starting in January 2026, and may be renewed for the same or a different period, up to the maximum amount of approved funding or the maximum duration of this type of scholarship (whichever comes first), and may under no circumstances exceed the limits set out in paragraphs 3 and 6 of Article 7 of Regulation No. 950/2019 of November 29, published in the Official Gazette, No. 241, 2nd Series, of December 16 (FCT, I.P. Research Grant Regulations).

APPLICATION DEADLINE
The call is from September 18, 2025, to October 10, 2025.

Applications must be formalized by submitting the following documents on the Iscte – Knowledge and Innovation Recruitment platform:
i) Letter of motivation describing the reasons for interest in the position, indicating the sub-project to which the candidate is applying (or the order of preference of the 3 sub-projects), as well as research interests.
ii) Detailed Curriculum Vitae.
iii) Copy of bachelor's and master's degree certificates, with detailed course grades.
iv) Proof of enrollment in a study program leading to a doctoral degree or, alternatively, a sworn statement that the candidate will be able to present this document on the date of signing the contract.
v) Other relevant supporting documents, including up to two letters of recommendation.

 Applications sent by any other means will not be considered.

FULL NOTICE EURAXESSAPPLY HERE

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Facial recognition technologies, one of the most prevalent artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in various sectors of society, from public security, retail, mobile technology, banking, and finance, among others, have been eliciting varied, contradictory, and complex reactions, ranging from normalization and acceptance to criticism and public opposition. Although the expected benefits are related to security and protection, critics point out that these technologies normalize mass surveillance and undermine privacy and human rights, exacerbate discrimination, and contain insurmountable flaws and inaccuracies. The fAIces project asks: What matters in facial recognition technologies and why? What forms of citizenship and public engagement are affected? How do multiple and complex ethical choices emerge? This study proposes to develop a new theory of the face using an innovative methodology that considers the perspectives of different social groups: academic and business developers, activists and NGOs, racialized populations, and artists.