Applied Complexity Fellowship in Scaling Theory for Social Systems

 The Santa Fe Institute – a private, not-for-profit theoretical research and education facility – is seeking applicants for a unique postdoctoral position in a multidisciplinary research program on applied scaling theory. The research seeks to discover general scaling relationships applicable to a wide variety of social systems including universities, companies, and cities with the aim of understanding their structure and dynamics.

This is a highly interdisciplinary position ultimately requiring a variety of combined skills and training.  Ideally, candidates should have a background in, or some familiarity with, mathematical modeling, theory development, and/or quantitative data analysis with some knowledge of the social sciences and/or economics. However, candidates with narrower backgrounds but seeking to expand their horizons will also be seriously considered.

The start date for the position is flexible, but with a rough target of January 2022.  This is an in-person position, but depending on circumstances at the time, the postdoc may begin the position remotely based on consultation with SFI and Profs. Kempes and West.

Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. (by the start date)

The successful candidate will work closely with Profs. Chris Kempes and Geoffrey West at the Santa Fe Institute, and a group of interdisciplinary researchers and postdocs within the SFI community. This community represents leading researchers in the study of scaling phenomena in diverse systems.

In addition, this position is unique in that it will be housed within SFI’s Office of Applied Complexity. The successful candidate will spend up to 10 hours per month supporting the Institute’s ongoing discussions with senior decision-makers from industry, civil society, and government. The position is for 2 years and is subject to annual reviews.

Applied Complexity Fellows are strongly encouraged to interact and collaborate with members of the larger SFI community.  The institute provides discretionary and collaborative funds and a competitive annual salary with a generous benefits package including paid family leave.

 

To apply, please send an email containing your CV and a 1-page research statement to employ@santafe.edu with the subject line “SFI Applied Complexity Fellow, Scaling Theory”. Please include the names and contact information of at least three references as well as a possible start date. Candidates who have applied to the SFI Complexity Postdoctoral Fellowship can be considered for this position without submitting any additional materials; they should however indicate their interest to the email above. Finalists for the position will be brought to SFI for the opportunity to present research, meet with Profs. Kempes and West, and interact with the SFI community. For additional information regarding scientific matters, email ckempes@gmail.com. All applications received by November 30th, 2021 will receive full review.

U.S. citizenship is not a requirement, but you should be eligible for J-1 visa sponsorship or a U.S. permanent resident.

 

 

SFI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. Women and members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. SFI is responsive to the needs of dual-career couples and is committed to building a culturally diverse research environment.