Postdoctoral Researcher – UNC Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life

The School of Information and Library Science (SILS) seeks to advance the profession and practice of librarianship and information science, to prepare students for careers in the field of information and library science, and to make significant contributions to the study of information. We educate innovative and responsible thinkers who will lead the information professions. These future leaders will be equipped to discover principles and impacts of information, create systems, techniques, and policies to advance information processes and services, and advance information creation, access, use, management and stewardship to improve the quality of life for diverse local, national, and global communities.

The School’s programs are among the top ranked by the US News and World Report, and the School is internationally known for its outstanding research, teaching, and service. We offer multiple Bachelor, Masters, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees as well as a variety of dual degree, professional, certificate and online programs for personal enrichment at any stage of a students’ academic career (https://sils.unc.edu/programs). We are a proud interdisciplinary campus partner leading the Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP); Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life (CITAP); and The Knowledge Trust. We have proudly staffed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Library since 1975.

CITAP is housed within SILS, which seeks to advance the profession and practice of librarianship and information science; to prepare students for careers in the field of information and library science, and to make significant contributions to the study of information. SILS is an interdisciplinary campus partner leading the Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP); CITAP; and The Knowledge Trust. SILS has proudly staffed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Library since 1974.

The Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life (CITAP) is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to understanding the growing impact of the internet, social media, and other forms of digital media on political and social life. CITAP’s research is distinctive in centering analysis of how platforms and digital media are embedded in history, society, culture, and politics; prioritizing questions of social difference, social inequality, power, and institutions; and making demonstrable commitments to democracy, equality, and justice.

CITAP seeks a one-year postdoctoral researcher. This position is intended to support a researcher who shares CITAP’s commitments to a holistic approach, analysis of social differences, prioritization of questions of power, institutions, and economic, social, cultural, and technological structures, and clear foundational commitments to equality and justice. Work aligned with any of our core areas – political processes, democracy and equality, mis- and disinformation, and platforms, networks, and infrastructure – is welcome.

1. 70%: Conceptualizing and carrying out independent research projects related to CITAP’s core subjects (political processes, mis- and disinformation, democracy and equality, and platforms, networks, and infrastructure). Publishing these as academic publications (papers, books, conference papers) as appropriate.
2. 10%: Writing reports, briefs, and opinion pieces that translate this research for journalists, the tech policy community, and the general public.
3. 10%: Collaborating with PIs on research projects as appropriate;
4. 10%: Leading, facilitating, and participating in center activities, from retreats and research workshops to mentorship of Ph.D. students and affiliates.

Qualifications:

• A PhD degree in information science or related fields, with focus on social organizations or higher education.
• Strong research, analysis, and writing skills are required for this position. The candidate is expected to demonstrate expertise in an area related to CITAP’s existing research activities. The ability to work independently but also in close interaction within a team and good writing/communication skills are crucial. The candidate must be able to think and work within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team and have the ability to tailor written and oral communications to multiple audiences such as the public, journalists, tech industry professionals, policymakers, and academic communities.

Apply here by February 16, 2022