The University of Chicago, Data Science Institute

Position ID:

2851-DDP [#27764]

Position Title:

Data and Democracy Postdoctoral Scholar, UChicago Data Science Institute

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Chicago, Illinois 60615, United States of America

Appl Deadline:

(posted 2025/11/25, listed until 2026/04/08)

Position Description:

Data and Democracy Postdoctoral Scholar

Application Deadline: Application opens on November 24, 2025. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025 and will continue until one to two positions are filled.

Appointments: One year, renewable to three Intended start date: On or around August 1, 2026

Salary: $91,800/year in first year, with annual travel and research funds available

Apply Online: https://uchicago.infoready4.com/#freeformCompetitionDetail/2000551

Questions: If you have questions about the program or would like to discuss this opportunity, please contact data-science@uchicago.edu.

About the DSI The Data Science Institute (DSI) at the University of Chicago invites applications for Data and Democracy Postdoctoral Scholars who wish to advance data science research in the systems and mechanisms of democracy. The DSI executes the University of Chicago’s bold, innovative vision of Data Science as a new discipline by advancing foundational and interdisciplinary research, developing partnerships with industry, government, and social impact organizations, and implementing a holistic approach to data science education. The DSI is part of a vibrant and growing data science community which includes departments across campus as well as the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTIC). These on-campus partnerships enable and encourage unique interdisciplinary research partnerships, reducing early-stage friction to hasten meaningful relationships and high-impact research.

About Data and Democracy The Data and Democracy Research Lab is a unique interdisciplinary team combining expertise in mathematics, algorithm design, geospatial data, and public policy. Members of the lab pursue cutting-edge research in the basic science and practically relevant applications of geometry, probability, and computing to the design of democratic mechanisms, including redistricting and “alternative” systems of election like ranked choice voting. We maintain a number of widely used open-source software packages and work closely with a broad set of institutional and public-interest partners engaged in election administration, civic education, and data-driven efforts to improve democratic institutions.

Position Description The Data and Democracy Lab seeks to train a new generation of research leaders through a postdoctoral program that will position them strongly to develop and execute research grounded in the practical study of representative democracy.

These “hybrid” positions begin with a year in residence at the Data and Democracy Lab at UChicago which will be focused on acquiring skills, developing a research agenda, and co-authoring scholarly papers. Upon renewal, this is followed by a year of field work placement in a role akin to research director at a partner organization, with a final year back in person in Chicago. Examples of partner organizations include More Equitable Democracy (a prominent nonprofit organization in Seattle) and the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute and Election Law Clinic (both at Harvard Law School). Fellows will remain employed by UChicago while in their placement. The field work will build skills in research design and broad-based communication.

This position will provide training for academic careers with a strong public-facing component, or for research careers in governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Requirements and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have several of the following kinds of background and prior training: A PhD in mathematics, computer science, social science, statistics, data science, or another relevant field, or a JD (law degree) with demonstrated technical background. Prior coding experience in Python or R, with willingness to learn Python-based tools. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex research to a variety of target audiences. Demonstrated interest in the study of democratic systems, civil rights, and/or proportional representation.

Applications Should Include: Cover letter describing the candidate’s fit for this position, addressing planned career trajectory; CV with links to publications or preprints; Research statement that outlines research goals and significance; Three to five letters of reference. (Review will start only when three letters of reference have been submitted, so please contact referees early in the application process).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination (https://www.uchicago.edu/non-discrimination).

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.

Contact: For questions about this application, please contact: data-science@uchicago.edu.

We are not accepting applications for this job through MathJobs.Org right now. Please apply at https://uchicago.infoready4.com/#freeformCompetitionDetail/2000551 .

Contact: Mindi Mysliwiec

Email: email address

Postal Mail:

: The University of Chicago
John Crerar Library
5730 S. Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL, 60637

Web Page: http://datascience.uchicago.edu/