Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Description

Professors Jorge Guzman (Business School) and Mario L. Small (Arts and Sciences) seek to hire a postdoctoral researcher to help build machine-learning models to understand the relationship between social conditions and entrepreneurship at the neighborhood level.

Core responsibilities:
•    Managing large datasets; extracting, cleaning, managing, and helping disseminate data; writing clean, efficient, well-annotated code
•    Co-authoring scientific papers—developing ideas, reviewing literatures, writing and editing text, testing hypotheses
•    Interacting collaboratively and constructively with researchers at all levels of seniority (from undergraduate students to full professors); overseeing research assistants
•    Applying for grants to support the initiative
•    Co-organizing conferences, workshops, or other events related to the initiative
•    Presenting joint work at major conferences, and representing the initiative with a high level of competence and professionalism
•    Helping ensure compliance with IRB regulations as needed

Qualifications

Requirements:
•    A Ph.D. degree in economics, sociology, organizational behavior, management, network analysis, or a related social science completed no earlier than January 1, 2022
•    Expertise in social science computational methods and the management of large datasets; expertise or familiarity with research on spatial analysis or causal inference; and extensive experience with at least one statistical or scripting package, such as R, Stata, or Python
•    Evidence of initiative, independence, drive, efficiency, productivity, high ethical standards, a constructive attitude, and the ability to follow guidance and respond positively to critique; an interest in and capacity to work collaboratively with researchers from diverse disciplines, backgrounds, perspectives, and levels of seniority; and a commitment to producing high quality social science research
•    Exceptional writing, communication, and analytical skills; complete fluency in English speaking and writing

Application Instructions

Professors Guzman and Small seek committed, independent, intellectually curious, collaborative candidates to join a team of researchers working on these issues. Each position is for an initial term of one year. Reappointment for a second year is dependent on funding, satisfactory progress in training, performance of all duties, and continued work eligibility. Review of applications begins March 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter of up to 500 words, your CV, two articles or dissertation chapters (max) that demonstrate your writing and analytical abilities, and the names and contact information of three researchers who are willing to provide a reference. Formal recommendation letters are not required with the application. The position begins July 1, 2025. Researchers may apply without a Ph.D. but must have completed all requirements for the degree by June 30, 2025. Applications should be submitted through the portal.

SALARY RANGE

Salary Range: $75k to $80k

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Columbia University provides generous benefits including health insurance, dental insurance and paid time off.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.