Job Description

The School of Information at Syracuse University seeks a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Scholar to assist with NSF-funded research on the dynamics of misinformation in groups.

Applicants must have demonstrable expertise in running large human-subject experiments using crowd-based platforms (e.g., Amazon’s Mechanical Turk) as well as a strong background in quantitative analytical methods and computational modeling.  Experience with probabilistic modeling (e.g., MCMC inference methods & probabilistic graphical models) is also desirable. 

The position is anticipated to be funded for two years, with a preferred start date in January of 2022. The starting salary is $60k per annum plus a comprehensive benefits package. Appointments will be made for one year, and reappointment for the second year is expected subject to good performance.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Josh Introne, Assistant Professor and Director of the C4 Lab (https://c4-lab.github.io) and Dr. Kevin Crowston, Distinguished Professor of Information Science and Associate Dean of Research at the Syracuse University School of Information Studies. The researcher must be available to work onsite at the Syracuse University Information School in Syracuse, New York. At least 20% of the scholar’s time will be reserved for the individual’s own research.Qualifications

A doctorate in one of the following areas: Computer Science, Information Science, Information Systems, Communication, Computational Social Science, Digital Sociology, Social Sciences or a related field;

Demonstrable expertise in (1) designing and executing large human subjects studies, and (2) statistical analysis and computational modeling of experimental and / or other data.

Familiarity with scholarly literature and relevant theories related to one or more of: misinformation, polarization, belief and attitudes, persuasion, social contagion;

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Scholar will be expected to collaborate actively with Dr. Introne and other members of the C4 Lab and participate fully in the intellectual life of the Information School. The successful candidate’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Experimental Design: Assist with the development of experimental materials and specify the design of a series of crowd-based experiments. The materials are fictional stories that are designed to elicit motivated reasoning on the part of experimental subjects and contain misinformation. Experiments will take place within a multiplayer online game developed by Dr. Introne. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work with Dr. Introne to figure out specific experimental parameters (e.g., precise number of subjects, trials; parameter ranges for independent variables).
• Experiment execution: The Postdoctoral Scholar would oversee the execution of the experiments themselves, including recruitment and training of subjects using existing online tools.
• Results Analysis:  The Postdoctoral Scholar will work with Dr. Introne to use the collected data to fit model parameters and run statistical analyses. Analysis will involve parameter estimation on graphical probabilistic models and Bayesian inference on Markov chains or other computational techniques.
• Publication & Proposal efforts: The Postdoctoral Scholar will be expected to participate fully in generating publications that report on findings from the study and may contribute to the development of online materials for the project site.  The Postdoctoral Scholar may also contribute to the development of grant proposals to fund new research projects.

#HEJApplication Instructions

For full consideration, applicants must complete an online application and electronically attach a CV, cover letter, and names of three references.  

Syracuse University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply but applications from US citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

The review process will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

For more information on this position please contact Dr. Introne (jeintron@syr.edu).  Additional information about the project may also be found at https://c4-lab.github.io/misinformation-dynamics/.About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.EEOC

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Community

Syracuse University maintains an inclusive learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview. The University community recognizes and values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, military backgrounds, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. To do so, we commit ourselves to promoting a community that celebrates and models the principles of diversity and inclusivity.Open Until Filled: Yes

Job Category: Faculty

Message to Applicants

Interested individuals should submit a cover letter, resume, and names of three references.