Postdoctoral Fellow in Open Governance Arizona State University, AZ

The Center for Policy Informatics (cpi.asu.edu) at the Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow in open governance to begin as early as July 1, 2013 and no later than August 16, 2013 and lasting between 1 to 3 fiscal years.

Position Summary. The position will be focused on developing research related to Open Governance. That is, how does and can government efficiently, effectively, and legitimately utilize computation and communication technology to connect citizens with public information, infrastructures, processes, and persons as well as enable their capacity to participate in making decisions and acting in a manner that advances the well-being of society. Current research in the Center includes participatory platforms with a public intent, open data, and smarter cities. Examples of specific projects involving the Center include the 10,000 Solutions (10000solutions.org) platform and The Policy Challenge (policychallenge.asu.edu).

The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for advancing the Open Governance Initiative research agenda. This includes managing current and developing future research projects, publishing and presenting relevant research, identifying and writing grant proposals, mentoring the graduate research associates, and spearheading the weekly lab meetings that consist of the Center faculty and graduate research associates. This includes advancing their own work related to policy informatics and open governance. The postdoctoral fellow will work under the supervising faculty member, Dr. Erik Johnston, Director of the Center, and with its team of faculty and doctoral students. The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with an interdisciplinary group of faculty, practitioners, and students both across and beyond ASU.

Qualifications. Qualified candidates must have a Ph.D. or expected to receive such a degree by August 16, 2013 in public policy and administration, a relevant social science field, engineering, computer and information sciences, or related disciplinary field. The ideal candidate should possess an interest in and knowledge of the intersection of governance, public policy, public administration, social issues, and information technology. They should demonstrate strong research potential. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal, communication and organization skills, the ability to be self-motivate and work independently as well as collaboratively, and the capacity to successfully manage research projects and lead people.

The Center for Policy Informatics. Policy informatics is an emerging field and practice of governance, including public policy and administration. It concerns leveraging computation and communication technology to connect individuals and information to specifically understand and address complex public policy and administration problems and realize innovations in governance processes and institutions. As such, the Center is focused on advancing the research and practice of policy informatics through three complementary research trajectories: societal change, policy analysis, and design interventions. These research trajectories span multiple fields and disciplines in the natural and social sciences, such as healthcare, education, energy and the environment, and public service. The Center is an evolving hub of interdisciplinary and cross-sector activities and people throughout ASU, the nation, and world interested in advancing the research and practice of policy informatics.

Application. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 25, 2013. If not filled, reviews will occur every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed. Appointment will begin as early as July 1, 2013 and no later than August 16, 2013 for the fiscal year. The position may be renewed annually for up to three academic fiscal years total. Applicants should submit the following application materials as Word or PDF attachments to Chase Treisman at chase.treisman@asu.edu.

Cover letter that is no longer than one page (single-spaced, 12-point font, 1” margin).

Personal statement of your career goals and the significance of your work. In 1,000 words or less, please explain how your research interests have developed, describe your career plans for the next five years, discuss how this position will contribute to your career goals, and point to how you believe that you can contribute to the work of the Center through this position.

Two samples of scholarly writing (published or unpublished) that best exemplify your scholarly work. One writing sample should demonstrate your voice as an emerging scholar and one should represent your future career trajectory. The two manuscripts should not exceed a total of forty pages (single-spaced, 12-point font, 1” margin).

Curriculum vitae that includes your research interests, education, employment history, scholarly publications, conference presentations, research projects and grants, teaching experience (if any), honors, awards or fellowships, service, and any other relevant expertise and experience.

Three references that are senior scholars that know you and your work. Please provide their name, position, organization, phone, and email at which we may contact them.

Postdoctoral fellows will be hired as a “postdoctoral scholar” and receive a competitive annual stipend and be available for fringe benefits, including health insurance and tuition for themselves, spouse, and children. (For more information on fringe benefits available to postdoctoral scholars, please visithttp://www.asu.edu/hr/benefits/forms/benefitpacketpostdocs.pdf.) Offers are contingent on satisfying the pre-screening activities, including a criminal history check under Arizona Board of Regents policy, 6-709. The position is based in Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona.

Arizona State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Diversity is a key component of excellence at ASU, and the Center for Policy Informatics supports the value of diversity among faculty, staff, and students. For the complete ASU non-discrimination statement, please visithttps://www.asu.edu/titleIX.

HOW TO APPLY

Application. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 25, 2013. If not filled, reviews will occur every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed. Appointment will begin as early as July 1, 2013 and no later than August 16, 2013 for the fiscal year. The position may be renewed annually for up to three academic fiscal years total. Applicants should submit the following application materials as Word or PDF attachments to Chase Treisman at chase.treisman@asu.edu.