Princeton University

The Electoral Innovation Lab at Princeton University seeks applicants for postdoctoral research associates or more senior positions. Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. or equivalent and a background in math, statistics, data science, computer science, quantitative social science, physical science, or engineering. This is a one-year term position renewable for a second year depending on performance and funding. Positions are expected to begin no later than February 15, 2021. The Electoral Innovation Lab is an interdisciplinary nexus of expertise in technology, engineering, public policy, and the social and natural sciences. Its principal mission is to provide data, legal, and analytic resources for use in all 50 states for strengthening and improving democracy. In keeping with the strong University tradition of service, the Lab's research, policy work, and teaching will address complex systems optimization as they interact with democracy. The Electoral Innovation Lab is currently working on a large number of projects on the causes and consequences of inefficiencies in democratic mechanisms. Projects include the Princeton Gerrymandering Project (gerrymander.princeton.edu), the Princeton Election Consortium (election.princeton.edu), and Representable (representable.org). In the coming years, the Electoral Innovation Lab will begin several new initiatives, including partnership with redistricting reform advocates in all 50 states and new projects with external partner Open Primaries. We seek self-driven, creative thinkers with strong quantitative skills to work with a team of researchers to analyze large data sets and coauthor papers reporting findings on redistricting, innovative voting systems, the Electoral College, and public policy. Successful candidates will be comfortable with management of large datasets and advanced statistical modeling or computer programming skills. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated experience with causal methods for observational data, geospatial modeling, large-scale simulation, and/or machine learning. Previous experience working in a research team or lab is a plus. A working knowledge of the literature on political representation is not required but useful; an intellectual interest in applying rigorous data analysis techniques to real-world problems is essential. Each postdoc will also lead or co-lead a seminar-style class on an elections-related subject. Responsibilities may also include advising undergraduate students working on senior theses, junior projects, or other independent research. When teaching or advising undergraduate independent work, the successful candidate will carry a secondary teaching rank, and any teaching role is contingent on sufficient course enrollments and the prior approval of the Dean of the Faculty. Salary is competitive and is benefits-eligible. Applicants should submit a dossier at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/18601 or email gerrymander@Princeton.edu including: (1) a complete vita, (2) a cover letter of interest, (3) names and contact information of up to three references, (4) a writing sample that includes quantitative analysis. The application review deadline date is December 31, 2020, 11:59 pm EST. The prospective start date for the position is on or around February 15, 2021. This position is subject to Princeton University's background check policy. Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW.

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