Postdoc Position in Political Science: The Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich is inviting applications for a 4-year postdoc position in the research group “Political Behavior and Digital Media” under Professor Karsten Donnay. This position, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, is part of a collaborative project focused on improving the quality of online public discourse through computational methods. The role involves significant NLP and machine learning tasks, with additional responsibilities in managing computational infrastructure.
Postdoc Position (100%) in the Research Group of Professor Karsten Donnay
Summary Table
| Position | Postdoc Position in Political Behavior and Digital Media |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Zurich |
| Department | Department of Political Science |
| Research Group | Political Behavior and Digital Media (Prof. Karsten Donnay) |
| Funding | Swiss National Science Foundation |
| Duration | Up to 4 years |
| Employment Rate | 100% |
| Location | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Start Date | October 1, 2024 (or later by agreement) |
| Application Deadline | June 30, 2024 |
| Contact | Karsten Donnay (donnay@ipz.uzh.ch) |
Study Area
The research focuses on computational social science with an emphasis on NLP and machine learning to enhance the quality of online public discourse.
Scholarship Description
This postdoc position will lead NLP and machine learning efforts in a project aimed at detecting and measuring toxic and constructive online discourse. Responsibilities include developing computational methods, managing the project’s computational infrastructure, and contributing to the overall research team’s efforts. The role offers integration into a leading department and involvement in a high-profile, multi-institutional collaboration with financial and academic support for up to four years.
Eligibility
- PhD in political science, computational social science, or a closely related discipline
- Strong background in computational social science, particularly in NLP and ML
- Proficiency in server management, database administration (PostgreSQL and Elasticsearch), and data collection processes using bash, Python, and R
- Experience with Docker, essential Python packages (PyTorch, scikit-learn, pandas, numpy), and R packages (tidyverse, ggplot2, dplyr, tidyr)
- Additional frameworks such as TensorFlow, spaCy, and Apache Spark are a plus
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Strong command of English
- Creativity, open-mindedness, and curiosity
Required Documents
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research statement
- Contact information for references
- Relevant publications
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their applications, including the required documents, to Karsten Donnay at donnay@ipz.uzh.ch.
Last Date
The closing date for applications is June 30, 2024.
For further information, inquiries can be directed to Karsten Donnay at donnay@ipz.uzh.ch.
