The George Washington University Institute for Data, Democracy and Politics (IDDP) anticipates a search for exceptional candidates for full-time, academic research positions at the rank of post-doctoral fellow. IDDP is a multidisciplinary research initiative intended to strengthen democratic dialog and institutions through research and engagement with policymakers, journalists, and the public. Beginning as early as fall 2019, the positions offer an initial two-year term with the possibility for a third-year renewal. Candidates will work on topics related to detecting, tracking, and correcting disinformation/misinformation.
IDDP offers an exceptional opportunity to work closely with world-class faculty across the university, including political scientists, engineers, computer scientists, and physicists interested in complex systems. Located in Washington, DC, the position also offers opportunities for engagement with scholars and policymakers in the area. In addition to the pursuit of individual interests, post-doctoral fellows will work collaboratively with affiliated faculty groups pursuing more narrowly specified projects. Fellows may pursue projects that utilize IDDP’s access to large-volume multiplatform data and/or projects that take experimental approaches to understanding the social and psychological dynamics of mis/disinformation. Fellows may also assist in IDDP’s collaboration with the Poynter Institute’s PolitiFact initiative.
Our priority is to attract technically capable researchers who are also interested in asking bold, new questions with data. Candidates must offer evidence of exceptional promise through data-driven publications and conference paper presentations.
Minimal Qualifications
· PhD in one of the following or related fields: political science, computer science, natural language processing, complex systems, judgment and decision-making, political psychology, social psychology, social network analysis, computational social science.
· Completion of upper level (undergraduate) and/or graduate level coursework involving computer programming. Fluency in one or more of the following is important: R, Python or similar programs.
· A successful candidate will have familiarity with both social science and computational science, though not necessarily mastery of both.
· Strong communication skills
· An ability to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment
We will also consider candidates who have accepted tenure-track positions at another institution but with the ability to defer their start date.
Applications must include:
· A cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
· Curriculum vitae
· Two published papers, or equivalent writing samples that demonstrate expertise and fit for the position
· A brief research statement that outlines your research achievements and goals.
· The names and contact information of three references willing to write a letter on your behalf
· A link to a professional webpage and Google scholar page (if applicable).
Applications will be accepted until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately. Interested candidates should apply at this link and contact Prof. David A. Broniatowski.
