Position Description

Society-Centered AI Initiative and The Polarization Lab at Duke University are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Associate. We seek a recent PhD with an interest in computational social science or data science (broadly defined). This individual will help design, execute, and analyze a series of field experiments on a platform created by the Polarization Lab for scientific research on human-AI interaction on social media. The ideal candidate will possess advanced knowledge of R and/or Python software, have experience performing statistical analyses on large datasets, have experience conducting survey research online, and have experience working with natural language processing and application programming interfaces, as well as prompt engineering, large language model training, and usage.  They will also work with PIs to analyze data generated by these studies, write them up as scientific articles, and assist with grant-writing and other public outreach. The postdoc can be affiliated with one (or more) of the following departments: Statistical Science, Sociology, or Political Science departments at Duke University.

Applicants should upload their CV, a brief statement of their background and interests and contact information only for at least three references to AcademicJobsOnline.org https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31488. ; We will begin to review applications on February 1, 2026, until a candidate is hired, with expectations for a start date no later than summer 2026. 

We will begin to review applications on February 1, 2026, until a candidate is hired, with expectations for a start date no later than summer 2026.

Additional information about these initiatives can be found at https://www.polarizationlab.com/ and https://scai.duke.edu/.

Contact information for project PIs:

Christopher Bail: christopher.bail@duke.edu

Sunshine Hillygus: hillygus@duke.edu

Alexander Volfovsky: alexander.volfovsky@duke.edu