The Center for Science, Technology, Medicine, and Society at the University of California, Berkeley, is seeking a postdoctoral scholar with excellent credentials in Science and Technology Studies (STS), History of Science, or Anthropology of Science, and a strong interest in the social study of algorithms/big data. By this we mean both the social impact of big data, and the design processes and environments within which new forms of algorithmic life are imagined and realized.

The successful applicant will join a group of researchers engaged in fostering new STS, History, and Anthropology of Science research, especially in the areas of science governance and regulation, standardization and quantification, valuation studies, the social dimension of information technologies, and the distinctive features of data science. The postdoctoral scholar will become part of and contribute to a growing ecosystem that brings together faculty, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scholars, and graduate and undergraduate students to form a strong network that assists researchers in working across disciplines in the social sciences, as well as informatics, computers science, engineering, mathematics, geography, and environmental policy.

Information on our working groups and activities can be found at http://dev-center-for-science-technology-medicine-society.pantheonsite.io. CSTMS is affiliated to the Social Science Matrix, the flagship institute that supports cross-disciplinary social science research at Berkeley: http://matrix.berkeley.edu.

This full-time postdoctoral researcher appointment will initially be for two years, with potential for renewals. The expected start date is fall of 2015. The primary responsibilities of the candidate will include the following:

• Engage in research that advances our understanding of the cultural and social dimension of information technologies
• Participate in and help lead CSTMS working groups and activities
• Participate in educational events that CSTMS may conduct for the campus community ranging from undergraduate classes to training workshops
• Contribute to building a community of engaged researchers within the Social Science Matrix

A PhD or equivalent is required by the start date in Science and Technology Studies or related field. At the time of application, the basic minimum qualification is the completion of all degree requirements except the dissertation.

Additional required qualifications by start date:

• Proven track record of interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers from varied areas beyond the original training discipline

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience writing grant proposals
• Experience leading and organizing conferences and workshops

The Center is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their work.

This is a two-year full-time (100%) position with a starting salary dependent on qualifications. To apply, submit your curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a research statement and contact information of three references to http://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF00827.

Letters of recommendation are not required at this time. If requested, all letters of reference will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality (http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html) prior to submitting their letters.

First Review date: September 26th, 2015

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: October 31st, 2015

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

This position is open until filled. Please address inquiries to cstms@berkeley.edu at the University of California, Berkeley.

The University of California is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California non-discrimination and affirmative action policy, see http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

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