Postdoctoral Associate - Political Economy and Technology

Position Description

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 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:

• Curriculum Vitae

(CV).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions 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.

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

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 (VEVRRA) 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.

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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary unless otherwise noted)
• Unique applicable skills.