Journalist-in-Residence

Data & Society is a New York City-based research institute dedicated to addressing social, technical, ethical, legal, and policy issues that are emerging because of data-centric technological development. D&S brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, activists, policy creators, journalists, geeks, and public intellectuals to gather, debate, and engage one another on the key issues introduced by the increasing availability of data in society.

About the Initiative

Intelligence and Autonomy (I&A) is a research initiative that examines the challenges produced by the rising importance and sophistication of artificial intelligence. This includes the mass deployment of these technologies in arenas as diverse as capital markets, the administration of law, warfare, medicine, transportation, consumer electronics, cities, and within the home. 

Our objective is to develop a set of common principles and identify solutions emerging across domains to guide policymaking in the space. You can see more of the work that we’ve done to date here.

The Job

The Journalist-in-Residence will be primarily responsible for three major projects:

-- Producing Popular Audience Articles: As I&A conducts its research over the next year, the Journalist-in-Residence will be responsible for producing articles that build on our work and bring them to broader audiences. This will include collaborating with the I&A team to develop ideas, pitching them to publications, and handling writing and editing of the pieces. Successful candidates will have some previous experience in journalism and existing relationships with publications.
-- Community Development: I&A is seeking to cultivate a cross-domain community of researchers, policymakers, activists, and others to support and participate in the work of the initiative. The Journalist-in-Residence will be responsible for developing and executing a strategy to cultivate this network and foster discussion within it. This may include moderating a discussion list, attending relevant conferences, and more.
-- Monitoring Ongoing Developments: The Journalist-in-Residence will be responsible for compiling a weekly briefing of the latest news, trends, and commentary in the intelligent systems space that will be shared with I&A researchers and the broader community.
The Journalist-in-Residence will also help to identify linkages with other work being done at D&S, and help seek out collaborators beyond D&S.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will be a self-starter who is passionate and knowledgeable about the social and cultural implications of technology. Strong skills in writing and organization are essential, as are time-management and multi-tasking. Minimal qualifications are a BA or equivalent degree in law, humanities, social science, journalism or related discipline, and some familiarity with the study of technology and society.

The Journalist-in-Residence will work on site in New York, NY. Residency is a requirement, and candidates must have the ability to work legally in the United States. This position involves flexible daytime hours and is paid hourly, commensurate with experience.

The Journalist-in-Residence will be given a lot of freedom, responsibility, and discretion to fulfill the work. Candidates must be comfortable taking initial direction, asking questions, managing time, and pursuing the work with limited supervision. The work will often require the Journalist-in-Residence to pivot quickly as project mandates shift.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please send an email to ia-jobs@datasociety.net with the subject “I&A JIR” and include the following attachments:
-- One-page, single-spaced personal statement, including a description of research experience, interests, and professional goals
-- CV or resume
-- Writing sample (preferably something written for a popular audience)
-- Links to online presence (e.g., blog, homepage, Twitter, journalistic endeavors, etc.)
-- The names and email addresses of two recommenders
-- A cover letter that includes citizenship/legal residency status, number of hours available to work per week, current city of residence, available start date, current student status, and any other practical consideration that may be important for us to know

We will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to do so until we find an appropriate candidate.

Please contact us at ia-jobs@datasociety.net should you have any questions about the position. Questions about the opportunity or process will not reflect negatively on your application.

The work and well-being of the Data & Society Research Institute is strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and much more. We welcome applications from people of color, women, the LGBTQIA community, and persons with disabilities.

Click here for more information.