The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia
Digital Technology for Democracy Postdoctoral Research Fellow
The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, 22904
Overview
University of Virginia's Digital Technology for Democracy (DTD) Lab invites applications for 2-year postdoctoral fellowships that begin in August 2026. The fellowship consists of two one-year renewable appointments. Each year is contingent on a successful review by the supervisor conducted during the ninth month of the appointment. Evaluation criteria include: (i) rigor of research, (ii) ability to collaborate and work efficiently, and (iii) commitment to shared values. We aim to build a transdisciplinary cohort of fellows spanning across all twelve UVA schools.
Position Summary At the DTD Lab, part of the Karsh Institute of Democracy, our understandings of democracy and technology, and their intersections, are broad and interdisciplinary. We expect candidates to be creative in their approaches and to clearly articulate their personal understanding of technology and democracy in their project proposal.
Responsibilities We welcome a wide range of disciplines, methods, and approaches as well as various forms of scholarly output, including but not limited to:
Art, Drama, Music
Architecture and Urban Planning
Business, Commerce, Innovation, Labor
Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science
Education
Engineering
Environmental Sciences and Geography
Health Sciences
Humanities
Law & Public Policy
Social Sciences
We seek transdisciplinary research addressing key topics at the intersection of digital technology and democracy, and welcome applications from around the world. The Lab will work with the UVA International Studies Office to sponsor visas as needed. Fellows will participate in Lab-sponsored seminars and workshops, engage with the cohort and affiliated faculty, contribute to Lab initiatives (e.g., white papers or other outputs), and attend convenings bringing together sectors such as technology and policy. Fellows will be connected with UVA departments, units, and schools to support their work and engagement and will participate in professional development activities offered to postdoctoral fellows at UVA.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have their PhD, SJD, or equivalent terminal degree in hand by the beginning of the fellowship.
Physical Demands This is primarily a sedentary position involving extensive use of desktop computers. The role may require traveling to attend meetings and programs.
Salary Range The annual salary for each position is $65,000 with an additional $5,000 per year for research funding. In addition to salary and research funding, standard UVA resources are provided, including healthcare, computing resources, and library support. VIVA-negotiated agreements may lower or eliminate article processing charges (APCs) with select publishers.
Position Type & Work Location
This is an exempt-level, benefited position.
This is a restricted position dependent on funding availability, with a term limit of 2 years; continued employment will depend on department needs and funding.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule in accordance with UVA's remote work guidelines.
About UVA and the Community To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
Application Timeline Applicants should submit their materials by December 15, 2025, with final decisions expected by March 2026. We will host two Zoom information sessions this fall. Details on how to join will be provided; recordings will be posted after each session.
Additional Requirements
Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
How to Apply Please apply online by searching for requisition number R0077062. Complete an application with the following documents:
A statement of interest (not to exceed 3 single-spaced pages) describing scholarly focus, reasons for interest in the DTD Lab, and a summary of proposed scholarly work during the fellowship (including goals, projected research questions, and potential outcomes). Please specify the faculty you would envision working with.
A CV
A sample of your work (e.g., a dissertation chapter, published article, white paper, policy study, or portfolio of artistic or digital work)
Names and contact information for three referees who can provide letters of reference (we will request letters only from referees invited for interviews)
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. Multiple documents can be submitted in this field or combined into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal Applicants Internal applicants should apply through their Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs."
Reference Check Process Reference checks will be conducted by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
Contact
Laurent Dubois, Academic Director at the Karsh Institute, lmd8s@virginia.edu
Jon Freeman, Recruiting Specialist, jf2sw@virginia.edu
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more on UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment, please read the UVA equal opportunity statement.
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Position Summary At the DTD Lab, part of the Karsh Institute of Democracy, our understandings of democracy and technology, and their intersections, are broad and interdisciplinary. We expect candidates to be creative in their approaches and to clearly articulate their personal understanding of technology and democracy in their project proposal.
Responsibilities We welcome a wide range of disciplines, methods, and approaches as well as various forms of scholarly output, including but not limited to:
Art, Drama, Music
Architecture and Urban Planning
Business, Commerce, Innovation, Labor
Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science
Education
Engineering
Environmental Sciences and Geography
Health Sciences
Humanities
Law & Public Policy
Social Sciences
We seek transdisciplinary research addressing key topics at the intersection of digital technology and democracy, and welcome applications from around the world. The Lab will work with the UVA International Studies Office to sponsor visas as needed. Fellows will participate in Lab-sponsored seminars and workshops, engage with the cohort and affiliated faculty, contribute to Lab initiatives (e.g., white papers or other outputs), and attend convenings bringing together sectors such as technology and policy. Fellows will be connected with UVA departments, units, and schools to support their work and engagement and will participate in professional development activities offered to postdoctoral fellows at UVA.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have their PhD, SJD, or equivalent terminal degree in hand by the beginning of the fellowship.
Physical Demands This is primarily a sedentary position involving extensive use of desktop computers. The role may require traveling to attend meetings and programs.
Salary Range The annual salary for each position is $65,000 with an additional $5,000 per year for research funding. In addition to salary and research funding, standard UVA resources are provided, including healthcare, computing resources, and library support. VIVA-negotiated agreements may lower or eliminate article processing charges (APCs) with select publishers.
Position Type & Work Location
This is an exempt-level, benefited position.
This is a restricted position dependent on funding availability, with a term limit of 2 years; continued employment will depend on department needs and funding.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule in accordance with UVA's remote work guidelines.
About UVA and the Community To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
Application Timeline Applicants should submit their materials by December 15, 2025, with final decisions expected by March 2026. We will host two Zoom information sessions this fall. Details on how to join will be provided; recordings will be posted after each session.
Additional Requirements
Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
How to Apply Please apply online by searching for requisition number R0077062. Complete an application with the following documents:
A statement of interest (not to exceed 3 single-spaced pages) describing scholarly focus, reasons for interest in the DTD Lab, and a summary of proposed scholarly work during the fellowship (including goals, projected research questions, and potential outcomes). Please specify the faculty you would envision working with.
A CV
A sample of your work (e.g., a dissertation chapter, published article, white paper, policy study, or portfolio of artistic or digital work)
Names and contact information for three referees who can provide letters of reference (we will request letters only from referees invited for interviews)
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. Multiple documents can be submitted in this field or combined into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal Applicants Internal applicants should apply through their Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs."
Reference Check Process Reference checks will be conducted by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
Contact
Laurent Dubois, Academic Director at the Karsh Institute, lmd8s@virginia.edu
Jon Freeman, Recruiting Specialist, jf2sw@virginia.edu
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more on UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment, please read the UVA equal opportunity statement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr