I have been working as a research assistant ever since I finished my Bachelor’s Degree in Economics six years ago. During that time I have completed a Master’s Degree in History and Philosophy of Science and fully committed to the pursuit of a career in research. As a research assistant I have been involved in several research projects, predominantly under the auspices of SOCIUS Research Center in Economic and Organizational Sociology (part of the Higher Institute of Economics and Management of the Technical University of Lisbon).
Research work has allowed me to take part in many different types of activities and, accordingly, to develop different sorts of skills. I have been involved in project management, actively engaging in planning, administrative and internal dissemination tasks. I have considerable fieldwork experience, frequently occupied with data gathering through literature review, surveys or interviews. I have also regularly participated in scientific dissemination activities, whether via presentations in conferences or the writing of papers.
During my first degree in Economics, my research interests fixated upon the epistemological foundations of the social sciences, eventually leading me to a master’s dissertation about the work of philosopher of science Ian Hacking. In the process I became hugely concerned with the practicalities of science at the micro, meso and macro levels; ultimately with topics relating to scientific careers, science management systems or science policy development. Having chosen not to immediately pursue a Ph.D in Philosophy of Science, I decided to accept a position in a research project about Portuguese scientists’ international mobility, which allowed me to become closely acquainted with issues regarding scientific collaboration, networking and knowledge circulation. This experience has also helped me shift my original intentions regarding doctoral work; they are now clearly based on science policy concerns, more specifically on the impacts of recently implemented research assessment systems towards Portuguese science.
Feeling that I need time and knowledge to develop a mature doctoral proposal and wishing to further my experience in working in private organizations, I strongly believe that the opportunity to work in a non-academic environment would adequately fit with my current interests and abilities. I have significant experience in balancing autonomy and accountability in assistance work and I am used to reporting to various actors, I am accustomed to working in multi-cultural and multi-lingual environments, and I have become well-versed in the language of different scientific disciplines. I have a vested interest on issues of science policy and a certified desire to pursue a career in research related organizations. In this sense, consultancy work has always been alluring for me. I believe I have both the analytical skills and the knowledge to perform well and be useful in organizations of this kind.
I will be glad to provide you with any further information deemed necessary.
With kind regards,
Diogo Cotta