Public Policy Research Associate, Data and Democracy Lab

The Data and Democracy Lab in the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University is seeking to welcome one or more Research Associates to work on projects in the modeling of representative democracy.

The primary role of these Research Associates 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.

The Data and Democracy Lab (https://mggg.org/) is a research group led by PI Moon Duchin in the Brooks School of Public Policy and the Department of Mathematics 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.

The successful candidate will have access to a rich interdisciplinary scientific community that spans multiple departments and colleges. The Brooks School, and Cornell more generally, have strong community norms of inclusivity and well-being.

Title Overview: Research Associates contribute, in collaboration with a principal investigator or faculty sponsor, to the design and implementation of research projects or programs. Research associates can be principal investigators on grants or contracts only on an exception basis. Their specific duties may include, but are not limited to, planning, conducting, and reporting original research; designing, constructing, or operating highly complex research apparatus; and supervising the research operations of a laboratory or facility. Research associates informally participate in graduate research training, but they may not be members of graduate committees, except as ad hoc additional, supplementary members. Research associates normally have no responsibilities for formal teaching but may participate in seminars or specialized portions of courses to an extent consistent with the terms of the funding of the position.

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD in Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, related STEM fields, or areas of social science with a significant quantitative component, such as Political Methodology, Geography, or Empirical Legal Studies.
• Ability to learn new technical and non-technical skills and to read scholarship in areas outside of one's main disciplinary training.
• Experience working in a team and under a deadline.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to broadening participation in scholarship and government.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with open-source software development, especially in Python.
• Experience in outreach to schools and community groups.

To Apply:

For initial screening, please include the following materials in PDF format.

(1) Cover letter, specifically addressing your fit for the Data and Democracy Lab. Please include the names of three reference-writers, but there is no need to request letters at this time.

(2) CV/resume, including links to writing samples.

(3) Research statement describing doctoral work (and postdoctoral work, if applicable).

(4) A description of experience with, and/or approaches to (past, current, or future), fostering learning, research, service, and/or outreach in a diverse community-applicants may choose to submit a stand-alone statement or embed the information in other parts of their application materials.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

No relocation assistance is available for this position.

Materials should be submitted online to Academic Jobs Online at the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29443. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected. For full consideration, please apply by December 22, 2024. For questions regarding the position, please contact Search Committee Chair Professor Moon Duchin at mduchin@cornell.edu.

The Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy was established in 2021 to tackle the most pressing policy challenges we face in the U.S. and globally. To advance this goal, we are hiring world-class research scholars and educators across a variety of disciplines who are oriented toward policy engagement and impact.

The Cornell community embraces diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. We value AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and seek candidates who will create a climate that attracts persons of all races, ethnicities, and genders. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.

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.

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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.

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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.