The call for two collaboration contracts for the TRUSTSCIENC project is now online. Interested candidates must submit their applications by Friday, June 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM (CEST, UTC+2).

The TRUSTSCIENC project aims to understand how and why science denial can be both pervasive and harmful, to the point of eroding trust in institutions. The project aims, first, to expand current knowledge about the causes (the antecedents) and effects of denial. Second, it seeks to shed light on the interaction between science denial and the erosion of trust in institutions, identifying the factors and mechanisms behind this phenomenon, as well as the social and cultural contexts in which it can take root and spread. In short, the project’s overall goal is to develop a theory and provide empirical evidence on the nature of science denial and its collective consequences.

The comparative evaluation process aims to select two collaborators with different levels of seniority. They will work with the project's scientific lead to carry out the following research activities related to project Work Packages 2 and 3.

The activities planned for the Junior collaborator include:

• an updated review of the relevant literature (institutional theory and rhetoric, institutional distrust); 

• data collection to build an empirical case.

The activities planned for the Senior Research Associate include:

• integrating and organizing data collected from the X platform (Twitter) and other social media where science-denying movements have been active and still exist; 

• developing a data coding program that enables the interpretation of a large volume of information;

• preliminary analysis of the coded data and support in drafting interim reports.

The contracts will run from the first day of the month following contract award through November 30, 2025.

The call for applications and the application form are available here.

The following documents must be attached to the application for admission to the selection process:

• a curriculum vitae in Italian;

• a copy of a valid identification document;

• a self-declaration in lieu of a certificate of educational qualification (Article 46, letters l, m, n of Italian Presidential Decree No. 445 of December 28, 2000)

• documentation that facilitates the assessment of the educational qualification(s) constituting specific admission requirements, in compliance with current legislation in Italy and the country where the qualification was issued, as well as with international treaties or agreements. 

• certification of the specific disability issued by the competent local medical commission, in accordance with Law 104/992 and subsequent amendments (if applicable).

The selection will be based on qualifications and a possible interview, and will be conducted by a dedicated Evaluation Committee.

The results of the comparative selection process and the final ranking will be posted on the relevant Luiss web page, along with the list of candidates invited for a potential interview, including the interview schedule and details on the method and location.

The results of the selection process and the final ranking will be posted on the relevant Luiss web page, along with the list of candidates invited for an interview, if any, as well as the interview time and method or location.