Postdoc position available at Northwestern’s Social Media Laboratory

Postdoc position available at Northwestern University’s Social Media Laboratory in the areas of computer-mediated communication, collaboration technology, and social interaction online. Review of applications begins immediately. Applications should include a cover letter, CV, three references, and a sample of published or submitted work, and should be sent to Professor Jeremy Birnholtz with the subject line “SML Postdoc application”. More details follow…

The Social Media Laboratory at Northwestern University seeks a highly qualified post-doctoral scholar to conduct research in the area of collaboration and social media. At the Social Media Lab, we study, design and develop technological systems capable of supporting group work and interaction in work, play and social environments. The post-doctoral research will be supervised primarily by Prof. Jeremy Birnholtz.

The appointment is for full-time employment. The salary will range from $42,000-$48,000 (USD) for a 12-month appointment and includes full benefits (benefits information is available at www.northwestern.edu/hr). The position may be renewable for a second year. The post-doctoral researcher will work in the newly designed Social Media Lab and will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, undergraduate research assistants, and an engaging community of scholars interested in technology and social behavior. Additional funds are available for computing and professional travel.  The position does not have a teaching requirement. The start date is flexible, but Spring or Summer 2013 is preferred.

The ideal post-doctoral researcher will have skills and interests in the areas of computer-mediated communication, collaboration technology, and social interaction online. Specific projects are flexible but will likely include studies of how attention is conveyed and managed in online interaction, and how people interact around shared artifacts and documents online . Applicants must have a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, Information Science, Computer Science, Communication, Cognitive Science, or a related field by the time of employment. They should have experience conducting independent research, a record of communicating research results via publications and presentations, and be willing to participate in collaborative, interdisciplinary research at Northwestern University.

Interested candidates should prepare: (1) a cover letter stating background, experience, interest in the position, and career objectives, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) the names and contact information for three references, and (4) a relevant sample of published or submitted work.

Send application materials to Prof. Jeremy Birnholtz (jeremyb@northwestern.edu) with the subject line “SML Postdoc application”. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.