Post Doc Research Associate with CSS Lab

Job Summary

The Computational Social Science (CSS) Lab at Purdue University is conducting a search for a postdoctoral fellow in computational social science for a one year, 12-month position. The postdoctoral fellow will work with CSS faculty and others in Purdue’s Department of Political Science to produce state-of-the art research, ideally using machine learning. As a postdoctoral fellow, you will be expected to work on existing CSS projects, as well as propose new projects where you would serve as the lead author. We also expect the postdoctoral fellow help further develop and expand the newly created Joe and Maggie Kernan (JMK) Social Science Lab. The postdoctoral fellow will also have an opportunity to join the Advanced Methods at Purdue (AMAP) initiative, a cross-college cluster working towards increasing methodological expertise and collaborative opportunities in behavioral, health, and social sciences. The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2023.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a PhD in Political Science, Communication Studies, Data Science, Informatics, or Computer Science. PhD candidates from related social science disciplines are also encouraged to apply.

We are also interested in fellows who have extensive experience with other tools common to computational social science, including programming in R/Python, algorithmic development, and data visualization. A familiarity with high-performance computing would also be of interest, but not a requirement for the position.

Computational Social Science at Purdue University

Purdue is a leading research institution, member of the AAU, and public land-grant university. Under the direction of Dr. Bryce J. Dietrich, the Computational Social Science Lab (CCS) was established to promote the application and development of computational methods to large, typically complex, human and behavioral data. The CSS is especially interested in expanding the use of audiovisual data in the social sciences, both on and off campus. To date, this has been done by creating an interdisciplinary team, consisting of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and postdoctoral fellows. Current research projects employ traffic camera and closed-circuit television data to understand intergroup interactions, both at the elite- and mass-level.

Dr. Bryce J. Dietrich recently joined the faculty at Purdue University in the Fall of 2022. His research uses novel quantitative, automated, and machine learning methods to analyze non-traditional data sources such as audio (or speech) data and video data. His work has appeared in prominent journals like the American Political Science Review, Journal of Politics, Nature Human Behavior, Political Analysis, and Political Psychology. In addition to securing external awards from the NIH and NSF, his work has also been covered by prominent media outlets like The Washington Post, The Economist and National Public Radio (NPR). His most recent work using C-SPAN has looked at gender and social dynamics on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Application Procedures

To apply, please visit careers.purdue.edu. Applications must be submitted online and include: 1) Cover letter of interest that includes a statement describing how the applicant’s research fits the principal duties and qualifications of the position, 2) Curriculum Vitae, and 3) Recent research paper or other writing sample related to the position description. Candidates who advance in the review process may be asked to provide letters of recommendation and transcripts.
Screening of applicants will begin on March 1st, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment in this position. For additional information, contact Bryce J. Dietrich at bjdietri@purdue.edu

Salary will be commensurate with the position. Position is contingent on final budget approval.

Ability to work in the US without immigration sponsorship from Purdue University is required.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.