Postdoctoral Associate

Academic Job Description

Department of Communication

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.

Position Function

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. danah 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.

Anticipated Division of Time

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.)

Applicants are expected to propose an original research project and demonstrate significant methodological and theoretical rigor in previous research endeavors. The proposal should demonstrate a clear-eyed view of an important but tractable research question that the postdoc can independently pursue.

Project Requirements:

• Novel research questions that reckon with political economy of tech in a creative way. Preference will be given to unique questions with a clear vision of how to execute the project.
• Qualitative empirical research study involving original data collection. Preference is given for ethnographic studies, but interview studies will also be considered. Computational methods, content analysis, surveys, and other methods can be used complementarily, but should not be the primary method.
• Viable path towards access. Ethnographic and interview access is challenging. Applicants should demonstrate that they can obtain access to conduct the research that they are seeking to do.
• Deep theoretical grounding. Preference will be given to scholars who have deep theoretical grounding in STS, political economy, and/or social theory.
• Projects in which data can be collected within driving distance from Ithaca, New York are especially encouraged so that the Postdoctoral Associate can be an active and engaged member of the Cornell community.

Example projects:

• How are betting markets (e.g., Polymarket, Kalshi) altering norms related to risk, assetization, and governance of gambling?
• How does AI-based ag-tech in dairy farming (e.g., self-milking cow machines) rearrange the political economy of the dairy industry?
• How do tech vendors make local government agencies beholden to their logics through contracts? 

Note: these examples are meant to be descriptive rather than prescriptive. What matters most is the novelty (and viability) of the project. What could the applicant study that no one else is studying that will open up our collective perspective on political economy and tech?

Supervision Exercised

This position will not have any formal supervision responsibilities, but the Postdoctoral Associate should expect to mentor graduate students, co-mentor other PIs, and contribute to the intellectual development of the entire team.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32502.) 

Qualified candidates should submit the following via the website:

1) Curriculum Vitae (CV).

2) Cover letter (1-2 pages). This should describe your broader research and intellectual interests, your theoretical and methodological background, your approach to collaboration, and your desired start date.

3) Project proposal (2 pages). This should focus on your research question, how you will approach the study, how you will gain access, and what theoretical tools you will bring to bear in your analysis.

4) An exemplar dissertation chapter + dissertation cover letter. Your 1-page dissertation cover letter should describe the project as a whole, why you chose this approach, and how you overcame challenges during your dissertation. The chapter should be one of the meaty inner chapters that demonstrates your intellectual acumen.

5) Example article-length paper. This should be a paper written for publication in a journal or conference proceedings. If it is coauthored, attach a note about your role in the paper.

6) The names and contact information for three references.  The review of applications will begin on October 16, 2026.  Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified. 

CALS hiring range for this title is $64,000-$70,000. 

    College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Life. Changing. 

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay Range:

$62,232.00 - $88,745.00

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

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EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.