Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Data Science and Society – Cornell University

The Department of Science & Technology Studies at Cornell University seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to play a major role in a two-year project on Data Science & Society. We invite applications from scholars with a recent Ph.D. in science & technology studies (STS) or related fields (e.g., sociology, anthropology, law, media studies, information science) and an active research agenda on the social aspects of data science.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be expected to devote 50% time to his or her own research agenda and 50% time to working with S&TS Department faculty on developing the Data Science & Society Lab, a new and innovative course that is part of the Cornell Data Science Curriculum Initiative. The lab will engage undergraduate students in two components: instruction in theoretical tools and practical skills for analyzing social and ethical problems in contemporary data science (e.g., data science as ethical practice; fairness, justice, discrimination; privacy; openness, ownership, and control; or credibility of data science); and participation in interdisciplinary project teams that work with external partners to address a real-world data science & society problem.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will have the opportunity to help launch and shape the initiative, to develop curriculum and engagement projects, build relationships with external partners and participate in teaching the course. S/he will work with two S&TS Department faculty members, Malte Ziewitz and Stephen Hilgartner, who will have primary responsibility for teaching the course.

Requirements:

PhD in science & technology studies (STS) or related fields (e.g., sociology, anthropology, law, media studies, information science) and an active research agenda on the social aspects of data science. ABD students are eligible to apply, but proof of completion of the Ph.D. degree must be obtained prior to beginning the position. Recent graduates who received their Ph.D. during the last five years are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Info:

Applicants should send:

• Cover letter summarizing the candidate's relevant background, accomplishments, and fit with the position
• CV
• Up to two publications (or writing samples)
• Three letters of recommendation
• A transcript of graduate work (unofficial is acceptable)