Postdoctoral Associate in Political Economy and Technology at Cornell University – USA

Summary

Cornell University's Department of Communication is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in Political Economy and Technology. The successful candidate will conduct independent qualitative research on the political economy of technology, contributing to Dr. danah boyd's research team. The role involves 50% independent research, 25% support for Dr. boyd's activities, and 25% participation in intellectual and mentoring activities. Applicants must hold a PhD in social sciences, STS, history, or a related field, completed within the last two years, and be willing to reside in Ithaca, New York. The position is for one year, with a possible renewal, and offers a salary range of $64,000–$70,000 per year. Applications will be reviewed starting October 16, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible but no later than August 30, 2027.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Communication, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Position Type	Postdoctoral Associate
Discipline	Social Sciences, Science and Technology Studies (STS), History, Political Economy
Research Area	Political Economy of Technology, Technology and Society, Prediction Markets and Governance, AI-based Agricultural Technologies and the Dairy Industry, Technology Vendors and Local Government Institutions
Degree Required	PhD
Experience	Significant empirical research experience; no more than two years beyond PhD completion
Salary	$64,000–$70,000 per year (CALS hiring range); $62,232–$88,745 per year (broader Cornell pay range)
Funding	Cornell will provide some project and travel support; encouraged to pursue external funding opportunities and contribute to grant proposals
Contract Duration	One year, with the possibility of a one-year renewal
Deadline	2026-10-16
Required Documents	CV, cover letter, two-page research project proposal, dissertation chapter, dissertation cover letter, an article-length paper, contact information for three references
Employer Address	Ithaca, New York

About the Project

The Postdoctoral Associate will propose, develop, and independently execute an original qualitative research project addressing a novel question at the intersection of technology, political economy, and society. The project should have strong theoretical grounding in Science and Technology Studies (STS), political economy, and/or social theory, preferably using ethnographic or interview-based methods. Potential topics include prediction markets and governance, AI-based agricultural technologies and the dairy industry, or technology vendors and local government institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Propose, develop, and independently execute an original qualitative research project
• Conduct fieldwork, interviews, original data collection, data coding, writing, presentations, and related empirical research activities
• Support Dr. boyd’s research activities, including interviewing, data coding, paper editing, and grant development
• Mentor graduate students
• Participate in talks and events
• Support field-building activities
• Contribute to the intellectual development of the research team

Required Skills

• PhD in social sciences, STS, history, or a related field
• Significant empirical research experience
• Ability to propose, develop, and independently execute an original qualitative research project
• Strong theoretical grounding in Science and Technology Studies (STS), political economy, and/or social theory
• Willingness to relocate to and reside in Ithaca, New York

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for recent PhD graduates (within two years of completion) in social sciences, STS, history, or related fields with significant empirical research experience. Ideal candidates will have a strong theoretical grounding in Science and Technology Studies, political economy, and/or social theory, and be prepared to propose and execute an original qualitative research project. Applicants must be willing to relocate to Ithaca, New York.

Benefits

• Project and travel support
• Opportunities for co-authorship
• Mentoring experience with graduate students
• Participation in intellectual and mentoring activities of a research team and department

About the Employer

Cornell University's Department of Communication is part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). It is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to contribute to a research team led by Dr. danah boyd, focusing on the political economy of technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the research project?

The primary focus is innovative empirical research on the political economy of technology, specifically an original qualitative research project addressing a novel question at the intersection of technology, political economy, and society.

What is the required academic qualification for this position?

Applicants must hold a PhD in the social sciences, STS, history, or a related field, completed by the start date and no more than two years prior to the start date.

What is the duration of the appointment?

The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of a one-year renewal.

What is the salary range for this position?

The CALS hiring range is $64,000–$70,000 per year, while the broader Cornell pay range is $62,232–$88,745 per year.

When will applications begin to be reviewed?

Applications will begin being reviewed on October 16, 2026.

Is relocation required for this position?

Yes, candidates must be willing to relocate to and reside in Ithaca, New York, during the academic year, with at least 50% of project activity based there.