Postdoctoral Associate – Political Economy and Technology – 14 octobre 2026

Contexte

Cornell University’s Department of Communication is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Associate – Political Economy and Technology position in Ithaca, New York, United States. The opportunity is designed for newly minted PhDs and early-career researchers interested in exploring the intersection of technology and political economy through rigorous empirical research. The successful candidate will develop and independently conduct an original research project while contributing to the research activities of Dr. danah boyd’s research team. The position also involves mentoring graduate students, collaborating with Dr. boyd and participating in the wider intellectual life of the department. The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of a one-year renewal. The start date is flexible, with candidates expected to begin between January and August 2027, and no later than August 30, 2027.

The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to propose, develop and execute an independent empirical research study examining a novel question related to the political economy of technology. Rather than serving primarily as an opportunity to turn a doctoral dissertation into a book, the position is intentionally structured around developing a new research agenda. The successful candidate will be expected to put their dissertation project temporarily on the backburner and engage with new data collection and a new empirical research question. The position is affiliated with the research team of Dr. danah boyd, where the postdoctoral researcher will contribute to ongoing research, collaborate with the team and mentor graduate students. This structure provides an opportunity for an early-career scholar to broaden their research portfolio while developing an original project with strong theoretical and methodological foundations.

Missions et responsabilités

How Will the Postdoc Spend Their Time? The position has three major components.

• 50% – Independent Research Project: Approximately half of the postdoctoral associate’s time will be dedicated to their proposed research project. This may include conducting fieldwork, carrying out interviews, collecting original data, coding qualitative data, writing research outputs, presenting findings and giving talks. The candidate will have considerable responsibility for shaping and executing their own research project.
• 25% – Support for Dr. boyd’s Research: Around one-quarter of the position will involve supporting research activities undertaken by Dr. boyd. Tasks may include conducting interviews, coding data, editing academic papers, contributing to grant writing and supporting ongoing research projects. Depending on the level and nature of involvement, opportunities for co-authorship may arise.
• 25% – Intellectual Community: The remaining time will focus on contributing to the intellectual life of the research team and department. This includes attending academic talks, helping organise events, mentoring junior scholars and supporting field-building activities undertaken by the research team.

Profil recherché

• Applicants must have a PhD in the social sciences, Science and Technology Studies (STS), history or a relevant field.
• The doctorate must be completed and formally in hand by the time the position begins.
• Candidates must also have conducted significant empirical research as part of their doctoral work.
• The opportunity is specifically intended for scholars who are no more than two years post-completion of their PhD.
• Applicants should also be willing and able to relocate to Ithaca, New York and be based there. Living in Ithaca during the academic year is a requirement, and candidates should not apply if relocation is not viable.
• Depending on the research project, significant travel may also be required. However, proposed projects should be designed so that at least 50% of the candidate’s time is spent in Ithaca.
• Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed research is realistically achievable, with a credible access strategy to communities, organisations or institutions.
• Applicants should demonstrate strong theoretical grounding in areas such as Science and Technology Studies, political economy, social theory, technology and society, communication and technology, or related interdisciplinary fields.

Conditions et avantages

• Appointment duration: 1 year, with possible 1-year renewal.
• Expected start date: January–August 2027 (latest start date: August 30, 2027).
• Salary Range (CALS hiring range): US$64,000 to US$70,000.
• The Postdoctoral Associate will receive some support for research projects and travel.
• Encouragement to pursue external funding opportunities and contribute to Dr. boyd’s grant proposals.

Dossier de candidature

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover letter of 1–2 pages (describing broader research and intellectual interests, theoretical and methodological background, approach to collaboration and preferred start date)
• Two-page research project proposal (explaining the research question, research approach, strategy for gaining access and theoretical framework)
• Dissertation chapter (a substantial dissertation chapter)
• One-page dissertation cover letter (explaining the overall dissertation project, the reasoning behind the research approach and how challenges encountered were addressed)
• Example article-length academic paper (demonstrating ability to produce research suitable for academic publication, with a note if co-authored explaining contribution)
• Names and contact information for three references

Comment postuler

Applicants must submit their materials online through Academic Jobs Online. Applications will begin to be reviewed on October 16, 2026. The university states that applications will be reviewed as they are received and that the search will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Early submission is therefore advisable.