Postdoctoral Associate - Political Economy and Technology

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns:
We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

This Postdoctoral Associate will propose, develop, and execute an independent empirical research study examining a novel question that gets at the political economy of tech; contribute to the life of Dr. boyd’s research team (including mentoring graduate students); and collaborate with Dr. boyd. This is a 1-year appointment with the possibility of a 1-year renewal. The start date is flexible but no later than August 30, 2027.While

many Postdoctoral Associates in the social sciences are designed to support junior scholars in converting their dissertation into a book, this is not one of them. The Postdoctoral Associate should be prepared to put their dissertation project on the backburner and dive into new data collection. Dr. boyd’s philosophy is that getting some space from your dissertation project will allow you to convert your dissertation into a stronger book and that conducting a novel project during your Postdoctoral Associate will better position you academically in the long run.

• 50%:
  Conduct primary research project. This includes engaging in fieldwork, conducting interviews, coding data, writing, and giving talks focused on the project proposed for the position.
• 25%:
  Support research endeavors undertaken by Dr. boyd. This includes conducting interviews, coding data, editing papers, helping write grants, and supporting Dr. boyd’s ongoing research agenda. Co-authorship will depend on level of involvement.
• 25%:
  Contribute to the intellectual community of the lab/department. This includes attending talks, helping run events, mentoring junior scholars, and supporting ongoing field-building efforts by Dr. boyd’s team.

• PhD in the social sciences, STS, history, or relevant field and have conducted significant empirical work as part of their doctoral work. (PhD must be in-hand by the position start date.)
• Applicants must be no more than 2 years post-completion of PhD.
• Must be willing to move to (and be based in) Ithaca, NY. (Depending on the project, there may be significant travel as well.) Projects should be designed so that at least 50% of the time is spent in Ithaca. Living in Ithaca during the academic year is a requirement. Please do not apply if that is not viable.
• Postdoctoral Associate will be offered some project and travel support but will be encouraged to seek external sources of funding and contribute to Dr. boyd’s grant proposals to enhance their research funds (and strengthen their academic profile). (
  
  Note:
  
  the Postdoctoral Associate is not eligible to be a PI.)

• Novel research questions that reckon with political economy of tech in a creative way. Preference will be given to unique questions with…