The Jacobs Urban Tech Hub at Cornell Tech invites applications from innovative and dynamic researchers, technologists, and practitioners for our next cohort of Urban Tech Fellows. We seek individuals whose professional work and research interests align with the mission and goals of the Jacobs Urban Tech Hub—making cities stronger, fairer, and more resilient through responsible technology.

The primary responsibility of a Fellow is to conduct independent research on the use of technology in an urban environment, with a primary focus on New York City. As a Fellow you will also be expected to play a pivotal role in the Hub’s engagement work connecting with New York City's urban tech community to foster a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem.

During 2024, the Urban Tech Hub will expand research, engagement, and education programming in two complementary areas: urban climate adaptation and urban tech innovation policy and management. These priorities reflect not only the urgent need for solutions that help cities adapt to climate change, but also the need to create more effective pipelines and protocols for rapid and responsible urban tech innovation. Fellows are encouraged to address these themes substantively in their proposals.

About the Role:

As an Urban Tech Fellow, you will be expected to generate innovative research and insights aligned with specific urban tech domains, such as mobility, infrastructure, climate change, housing, etc. Your research should serve as a catalyst for improving urban living now or in the future. A preference will be given to applicants with New York City-specific research proposals, but research that is transferable to other cities is also encouraged. Your final deliverable as a Fellow can take many different forms, from a written report or policy recommendation to a new hardware or software product.

Fellows are part of the Cornell Tech community and will be expected to provide support for ongoing Urban Tech Hub initiatives and to engage with Master's students, PhDs, postdocs, and Cornell Tech faculty. Although part of our community, you will be expected to operate independently, leveraging your expertise to drive your research and contribute to the program's goals without relying on staff or research support. Fellows will be provided with a dedicated workspace for the term of their appointment at the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island. 

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in a field related to urban technology; including engineering, urban planning, transportation, architecture, computer science, etc.

Fellows must be located in the New York metropolitan area for the term of their appointment and have at least seven years of work experience in the public or private sectors, with at least five years in an urban systems or urban technology-related position.

Timing and Compensation

Urban Tech Fellows will be granted a one year appointment at Cornell Tech with potential for renewal. The positions are located at Cornell Tech’s campus in New York City with hybrid work arrangements, primarily in person on Roosevelt Island. 

Appointments are full or part-time paid positions as Visiting Scholars with flexibility in terms of weekly time commitment. Salaries range from $75,000-125,000 and are commensurate with experience. University benefits are available to individuals with a greater than 50% effort weekly time commitment.

Application Requirements

For your initial application please submit the following:

• A Cover Letter expressing your interest in the fellowship and joining the Urban Tech Hub

• Resume/CV

• A 3-page Research Proposal summary. 

Your Research Proposal should address the following.

1. Title: Provide a brief and descriptive title for your research proposal.

2. Introduction: Introduce the urban tech domain / research theme that you wish to explore and provide a brief background on its relevance and importance for urban living.

3. Research Question(s): Clearly state the research question(s) that you intend to address through your research.

4. Objectives: Describe the specific objectives of your research and explain how they relate to the overall research question(s) and the mission of the Jacobs Urban Tech Hub.

5. Expected Outcome(s): Briefly describe the expected outcomes of your research, including any potential impact on urban living, policy implications, or practical applications.

6. Public Engagement Strategy (optional): The Hub promotes inclusive ecosystem engagement with the NYC tech community, which can include government agencies, industry leaders, startups and local community groups. If your proposal anticipates any public engagement efforts, please include a brief description of potential partners and your strategy for engaging them.
   
   

7. Collaborations (optional): Are there key faculty or existing Cornell Tech or Jacobs Institute initiatives you want to work with at Cornell Tech?
   
   

Applicants who are invited to move to the next phase of the application process will be expected to submit a more detailed research proposal. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, for full consideration, please apply by 5pm EST December 1, 2023. In order to apply, please submit a cover letter, CV and 3-page (maximum) research statement online at:

AJO LINK: https://academicprogramsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26394 

Questions regarding the fellows program should be directed via email to urbantechhub@cornell.edu

About the Urban Tech Fellows Program

The 2022-23 academic year marked the introduction of our first cohort of Urban Tech Fellows. Click here to view a list of recent Fellows and their projects. Our inaugural Senior Urban Tech Fellow (2021), Rohit "Rit" Aggrawalla, was appointed NYC DEP Commissioner and Chief Climate Officer for the City of New York. During his time at the Urban Tech Hub, Rit authored "Rebooting NYC: An Urban Tech Agenda for NYC," a groundbreaking research project that explored ways new digital technologies could optimize urban systems and expand equity through technology.

About the Jacobs Urban Tech Hub

The Jacobs Urban Tech Hub at Cornell Tech is a new academic center in New York City that generates applied research, fosters an expanding tech ecosystem, and cultivates a new generation of urban technology leaders. We define “urban tech” as a new field of study and an emerging sector of technology encompassing innovations that make cities more connected, livable, efficient, and accessible for people and businesses alike.

We bring a human-centered approach to urban tech focused on users by advancing technology research and education to build a better world by increasing access and opportunity within the tech sector. The Hub bridges the gap between academic resources and public needs, organizing strategic partnerships between researchers, industry, communities, and government.

About the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute