Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow, Tech Ethics

Description

Yong Suk Lee, Program Chair in Technology Ethics for the Notre Dame Ethics Initiative and Associate Professor at the Keough School of Global Affairs is accepting applications for one pre-doctoral research fellow to begin as soon as possible in Fall 2024. The position will last for one year, with an opportunity for extension.

Professor Lee studies how new technologies such as AI will influence work and workers and the ethical and policy implications of AI. Most research will be conducted with large-scale observational data using applied microeconometric techniques (e.g. diff-in-diffs, RDs, etc), survey experiments, as well as applied machine learning tools. Prior research experience using these methods and large datasets will be preferred. More information on Professor Lee’s research can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/yongslee

Responsibilities
Project Management:

• Drive a portfolio of developing and active research projects forward
• Act as the lead research assistant to and project manager for Dr. Lee on his portfolio of projects focused on technology and labor
• Liaise between other researchers and relevant parties
• Assist in the composition of research grant proposals
• Carry out IRB procedures for assigned projects

Data Analysis:

• Data acquisition, management and cleaning.
• Maintain program data on Notre Dame’s secure servers
• Analyze data and present results to researchers and agency partners
• Maintain code repositories

Dissemination:

• Support in writing up results for academic articles
• Draft policy briefs and other materials for broader audiences

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be detail oriented, have strong coding skills, and experience with research using statistical programming (e.g., STATA, R, Python).

Required:

• An interest in the societal and ethical implications of technology
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, computer science, mathematics, or related social science fields
• Training in econometric and statistical techniques employed in social science research
• Statistical programming experience (STATA, R, Python)
• Highly organized with ability to juggle multiple demands simultaneously
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Self-directed, with willingness to take initiative over project tasks and explore potential evaluations

Preferred:

• Experience working for economics researchers as a research assistant
• Experience communicating or working with industry or government partners

The pre-doctoral research fellow position will be in-person, physically based at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. Salary will be approximately $50,000/year and includes a benefits package including medical insurance. Fellows will also receive mentorship on graduate school applications, their own research agenda, and the opportunity to co-author publications. The position is open to international applicants and we may be able to sponsor a work visa.

Application Instructions

Please upload the following documents to Interfolio:

1. A cover letter describing your interest in this position, your familiarity with programming languages (e.g. Stata, R, Python), your prior experience as a research assistant and/or with independent research projects, your preferred timeline, and names and e-mail addresses of two references (letters not required yet)
2. A current CV
3. An unofficial transcript of your undergraduate (and graduate) coursework
4. A writing sample (e.g. course paper or a thesis). 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Applications submitted by September 30, 2024 will be given full consideration. Short-listed applicants might be asked to complete a technical exercise and/or be called for an interview. Applicants may also be asked to submit recommendation letters at that point. 

Contact: Any questions regarding this opportunity should be addressed to tech-ethics@nd.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration.  The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace.  We strongly encourage applications from female and minority candidates and those candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.  Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors to employ and advance veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).

Background Check 

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.  Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges.  Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment.  Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position.  Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate.  The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.