Position Description

The University of Washington Center for an Informed Public (CIP) invites applications for up to two CIP Postdoctoral Fellows who will be hired as Postdoctoral Scholars.

The UW CIP is a multidisciplinary institute with a core mission aiming to resist strategic misinformation, promote an informed society, and strengthen democratic discourse. Located at the University of Washington, a world-class research university in the Pacific Northwest, this new Center will lead programs that span research, education, policy and outreach.

The CIP is particularly interested in studies of information flow in sociotechnical systems; the role of information in the formation and dynamics of values, beliefs, or identities (race, gender, class, ability, etc.); and the role of researchers, educators, librarians, and policy makers in supporting healthy information environments and fostering a more informed and equitable society. Scholars with a strong background in public health, climate science, and related disciplines who are looking to bring their expertise to problems within the misinformation domain are also encouraged to apply. Scholars interested in the role of generative artificial intelligence technology, including tools that produce text, imagery, audio and synthetic data, and information integrity are also encouraged to apply.

CIP Fellows will join a growing team of faculty, students, community partners, and staff all actively involved in addressing the challenges of today's complex and dynamic information environment. Postdoctoral Fellows will be supervised by one of the Center co-founders and/or faculty, and will work closely with the entire CIP community on research projects in service of the Center's mission. These positions will begin as early as June 2025 and offer a two-year term.

The UW CIP offers an exceptional opportunity to work closely with the Center's co-founders and affiliate faculty, including sociologists, information scientists, computer scientists, and policy experts. Located in Seattle, the position also offers opportunities for engagement with scholars and industry leaders in the area. In addition to the pursuit of individual interests, Fellows will work collaboratively with affiliated faculty groups pursuing more narrowly specified projects. Fellows may pursue projects that utilize the CIP archive of large-scale social media data, as well as design and execute new data collection efforts that utilize existing research infrastructure.

We will consider candidates who have accepted tenure-track positions at another institution but with the ability to defer their start date.

Postdoctoral Scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

Salary and Benefits

The University of Washington offers a competitive benefits package. For information about employee benefits please visit https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/

Salary range:

The base salary for this Postdoctoral Scholar position will be $6,250 - $7,083 per month ($75,000 - $85,000 per 12-month academic year), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have a PhD, JD, EdD, or foreign equivalent by date of appointment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• An ability to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, including demonstrated success in working with diverse populations

Instructions

• A cover letter describing your interest in this position; and explicitly addressing past, present, and/or future (planned) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion (e.g., contributions that center, address, or support under-represented groups such as women, minorities, people with disabilities, people of lower socio-economic status, among others); as well as names of two preferred CIP-affiliated faculty to serve as mentors during the appointment

• Curriculum vitae, including names and contact information of three references

• A brief research statement that outlines your research achievements and goals

• Two published papers, or equivalent writing samples that demonstrate expertise and fit for the position

• A link to a professional webpage, Google scholar page (if applicable), and github profile (if applicable).

Applications will be accepted until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately, with preference given to applications recieved prior to January 15, 2025. Up to two positions are available. Interested candidates can contact Emma Spiro at espiro@uw.edu with questions.
You can read more about the CIP at http://cip.uw.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University's Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member's academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

Privacy Notice

Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.

Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.