The Department of History and the Cogut Institute for the Humanities at Brown University invite applications for a two-year appointment as Mellon Postdoctoral Research Associate in the History of Computational Technology. The position is to be held jointly at the Cogut Institute for the Humanities and the Department of History, with additional affiliation with the Program in Science, Technology, and Society.

We seek a scholar whose work addresses the historical significance, impact, and/or trajectory of the "information age," cybernetics, computing, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and/or the emergence of data-driven methods in the sciences and beyond. Applicants in any discipline of the humanities (history, philosophy, literature, language, and the arts) or deploying humanistic methods in Science and Technology Studies, Media Studies, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will teach one course per semester (which will be listed by History and may be cross-listed with the Cogut Institute, the Data Science Institute, and/or the Program in Science, Technology and Society). The successful candidate will interact with Brown’s world-renowned faculty and students both within and beyond its expanding History community in a supportive environment focused on community and career development. The postdoctoral research associate will be expected to participate in the Cogut Institute’s weekly research seminar each Tuesday as well as other activities as appropriate to their research.

Postdoctoral research associates receive standard benefits and a $2,000 per year reimbursable research fund.

For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

The appointment will begin on July 1, 2026. Receipt of the Ph.D. or completion of all degree requirements is required by July 1, 2026. Recipients of a Ph.D. from Brown University are ineligible as are any applicants whose Ph.D. was earned prior to the last five years. 

Please submit a CV, a cover letter that details relevant qualifications and addresses how the candidate would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community, and three confidential letters of recommendation online at https://apply.interfolio.com/177555. 

Review of applications will begin on January 30, 2026.

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person?s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

About Brown University

Located in historic Providence, Rhode Island and founded in 1764, Brown University is the seventh-oldest college in the United States. Brown is an independent, coeducational Ivy League institution comprising undergraduate and graduate programs, plus the Alpert Medical School, School of Engineering, School of Public Health, Executive Master of Healthcare Leadership and the IE Brown Executive MBA.

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