Postdoctoral Fellow in Policy Informatics 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 policy informatics 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. Rapid advancements in communication and computation technology continue to proliferate society and become increasingly embedded in our everyday activities. Collaboration platforms as well as the surge in computational techniques have transformed how we learn, communicate, and coordinate. These platforms have given way to a bottom-up data deluge that represents people’s attitudes and behaviors. Computation technologies can use the proliferation of data to dynamically model and simulate the complex relationships between people and data concerning public issues within social systems to gain real insight and develop plausible solutions. This has created dynamic and interactive networks of people and information involved not only in learning about the world and each other, but collectively making decisions in their daily lives that co-create new information and realities.

As the world is becoming increasingly complex, interconnected, dynamic and resource-constrained, so have the public issues with which we must grapple and the available pathways for doing so. In an information-intensive governance environment, advancements in communication and computation technology afford us the possibility to better tackle complex public issues in new and innovative ways that tap into and reflect the reality of this world. In particular, this involves the liberation of data as well as the education and empowerment of public officials and the public-at-large to interact with information and one another in a manner that collectively produces meaningful insights and solutions to public issues.

The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for leading research projects that will benefit from modeling and simulation to facilitate public policy discourse. This includes building, managing, and running existing research and projects that facilitate public policy discourse, and also developing and leading future research projects. The fellow is expected to publish and present relevant research. These activities include advancing their own work related to policy informatics. 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. Priority will be given to candidates with expertise in computational methods including agent-based modeling, systems dynamics modeling, data mining, and network analysis. 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. 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.