Job Information
University of Utah Post Doc Res Assoc in Salt Lake City, Utah
Details
Open Date 02/06/2024
Requisition Number PRN37639B
Job Title Post Doc Res Assoc
Working Title Post Doc Res Assoc
Job Grade A00
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
VP Area Academic Affairs
Department 00129 - Social & Behav Science-Dean
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range 62000 - 70000
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Job Summary
TheCollege of Social and Behavioral Scienceat theUniversity of Utahis seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with an interest in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to US Census data. AI is having far-reaching effects as it moves into everyday systems, such as healthcare, education, policy, immigration, and criminal justice, often with a focus on individualized outcomes. Interdisciplinary research is critical for developing “responsible” technologies that forward the public interest, recognizing AI as both a technological approach and a social practice (e.g. how humans are classified, how we identify technological problems, how we understand our society). Federal Statistical Research Data Centers, such as theWasatch Front Research Data Center ( WFRDC ), located in the Interdisciplinary Exchange for Utah Science ( NEXUS ), offer a unique resource of census microdata, allowing the exploration of socio-demographic dynamics at an individual level, and there is a significant opportunity to apply AI methodologies to these data. We seek a researcher interested in developing research that integrates AI methods with the type of microdata held in the WFRDC . The successful candidate for this position will have a record of working with socio-demographic data and AI methods, and a commitment to responsible AI applications.
Applicants should articulate a research plan that encompasses their own agenda and work with AI in ways that explicitly consider ethical implications. The research plan should involve analysis of census microdata at the WRFDC and the integration of other datasets (e.g. on redlining, mortgage lending, environmental exposures or health outcomes), and should reflect the specific research interests of the applicant. The selected applicant will join a collaborative team of geographers, sociologists, and other researchers using the WFRDC . Ideally, applicants will demonstrate interest in collaborations within the college and across campus. They will also have the opportunity to provide training for students interested in linking AI with, for example, research methods and ethics, policy applications, and social justice.
Responsibilities
Carry out independent research
Engage in research collaborations with University of Utah faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students
Utilize resources associated with the Wasatch Front Regional Data Center
Document research activities and follow applicable data management protocols
Share research skills and findings with faculty, postdocs, and grad students through research group meetings, seminars, and/or classes
Minimum Qualifications
A PhD in data science, computer science, demography, geography, GIS , sociology, or other closely-related field with experience related to machine/deep learning algorithms, by the anticipated start date.
Enthusiasm about applying AI methods to social-environmental problems.
Extensive experience with data science methods and approaches, including the use of scientific computer programming in languages such as R and Python.
Familiarity working with large, complex datasets.
Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Ability to work independently, lead project deliverables and meet deadlines.
Due to data access restrictions in Federal Statistical Data Centers, candidates should be either a U.S. resident or a foreign national who has been in the U.S. 3 of the last 5 years. Some data access requires U.S. citizenship.
Preferences
Experience and interest in critical AI perspectives and ethical considerations in the application of AI to human-data research
Prior practical, coursework, and/or research experience with the proliferation of bias and stereotypes, societal implications of data-driven technologies and/or the role of predictive practices in politics, society, and economics
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.