Post Doc Res Assoc

Post Doc Res Assoc

Job Summary

The College of Social and Behavioral Science at the University of Utah is seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with an interest in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to US Census data. AI is having far-reaching effects as it moves into everyday systems, such as healthcare, education, policy, immigration, and criminal justice, often with a focus on individualized outcomes. Interdisciplinary research is critical for developing “responsible” technologies that forward the public interest, recognizing AI as both a technological approach and a social practice (e.g. how humans are classified, how we identify technological problems, how we understand our society). Federal Statistical Research Data Centers, such as the Wasatch Front Research Data Center (WFRDC), located in the Interdisciplinary Exchange for Utah Science (NEXUS), offer a unique resource of census microdata, allowing the exploration of socio-demographic dynamics at an individual level, and there is a significant opportunity to apply AI methodologies to these data. We seek a researcher interested in developing research that integrates AI methods with the type of microdata held in the WFRDC. The successful candidate for this position will have a record of working with socio-demographic data and AI methods, and a commitment to responsible AI applications. 

Applicants should articulate a research plan that encompasses their own agenda and work with AI in ways that explicitly consider ethical implications. The research plan should involve analysis of census microdata at the WRFDC and the integration of other datasets (e.g. on redlining, mortgage lending, environmental exposures or health outcomes), and should reflect the specific research interests of the applicant. The selected applicant will join a collaborative team of geographers, sociologists, and other researchers using the WFRDC. Ideally, applicants will demonstrate interest in collaborations within the college and across campus. They will also have the opportunity to provide training for students interested in linking AI with, for example, research methods and ethics, policy applications, and social justice.



Responsibilities

• Carry out independent research
• Engage in research collaborations with University of Utah faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students
• Utilize resources associated with the Wasatch Front Regional Data Center
• Document research activities and follow applicable data management protocols
• Share research skills and findings with faculty, postdocs, and grad students through research group meetings, seminars, and/or classes

Minimum Qualifications

• A PhD in data science, computer science, demography, geography, GIS, sociology, or other closely-related field with experience related to machine/deep learning algorithms, by the anticipated start date.
• Enthusiasm about applying AI methods to social-environmental problems.
• Extensive experience with data science methods and approaches, including the use of scientific computer programming in languages such as R and Python.
• Familiarity working with large, complex datasets.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Ability to work independently, lead project deliverables and meet deadlines.
• Due to data access restrictions in Federal Statistical Data Centers, candidates should be either a U.S. resident or a foreign national who has been in the U.S. 3 of the last 5 years. Some data access requires U.S. citizenship.

Preferences

• Experience and interest in critical AI perspectives and ethical considerations in the application of AI to human-data research
• Prior practical, coursework, and/or research experience with the proliferation of bias and stereotypes, societal implications of data-driven technologies and/or the role of predictive practices in politics, society, and economics

Special Instructions


Requisition Number: PRN37639B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00129 - Social & Behav Science-Dean
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 62000 - 70000
Close Date:
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/160260


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