Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Position

The Center for Data Science for Enterprise & Society
Interdisciplinary postdoctoral position in the Data and Democracy Lab
Cornell University

The Data and Democracy Lab (nee MGGG Redistricting Lab) is a research group led by PI Moon Duchin in the Department of Mathematics and Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell. Members of the lab engage in interdisciplinary research, drawing on approaches from geometry, topology, graphs and networks, probability/statistics, and algorithm design, in conversation with geography, political science, policy, and law. The lab is deeply engaged with civil rights and good-government work in representative democracy.

We invite applications for full-time Data/Democracy postdoctoral positions to begin in Fall 2025 (or Summer 2025 if desired).Applications should be completed by December 1, 2024 for full consideration, and will continue to be reviewed until the positions have been filled. This is a one-year position, renewable to three years pending successful review. There are no teaching requirements, but teaching can be requested in mathematics, policy, or other fields adjacent to data science.The minimum annual salary is $83,200.The primary role of this postdoc will be to anchor multiple research projects in electoral systems (such as ranked choice voting) and sampling problems (such as graph partitions for redistricting) and to launch new research in areas connected to the work of the lab.Members of the lab publish in peer-reviewed journals in several disciplines.

Other important roles may include:

- mentorship of graduate students and undergraduate members of the lab,

- software development,

- interaction and collaboration with civil rights stakeholders,

- collaboration with legal scholars and litigators.

A successful applicant will likely have a background in more than zero of the following mathematical areas: geometric group theory or another flavor of discrete geometry, spectral graph theory, probability, Bayesian statistics, mathematical data science (such as topological data analysis), discrete Markov chains, MCMC or other applied modeling, computational geometry, theoretical computer science, combinatorial optimization, computational social choice, scientific computing, and algorithmic fairness. Exposure to scholarship in humanities, social science, or law is preferred, and curiosity in this direction is essential. If you have background in all of these areas, you are an unusual person indeed and we definitely want to meet you.

The application should include the following elements. (Note that these expand on the requirements of the other Center for Data Science postdoctoral positions.)

(1) a CV;

(2) a research statement;

(3) three letters of recommendation;

(4) a background statement of no more than two pages explaining your fit for this position including the mathematical areas listed above. In this statement, include the name of 1-2 additional possible mentors at Cornell, such as in math, applied math, ORIE, CS, IS, and public policy;

(5) a brief comment, no more than one page, on any recent article from the lab (link).

Possible topics to address in the background statement include the connection from your research statement to the work of the lab; your planned career trajectory; your track record in broadening participation in math or a related area; your experience with interdisciplinarity; etc.

Please contact mduchin@cornell.edu with any questions about these positions or the application process.

Application Materials Required:

Further Info:

https://mggg.org/

Moon Duchin

mduchin@cornell.edu

Pay Range:

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.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information.

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 University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email atequity@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:

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:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.