Post-Doctoral position in Computational Collective Behavior

We are looking to recruit two postdoctoral scholars for a position in an interdisciplinary NSF-funded research project. The goal is to discover how collectives can be made more creative, intelligent and when they can select the rules governing their interactions. The focus of the position is on designing and running large-scale online behavioral experiments.

We are seeking candidates with strong quantitative and computational training in behavioral, cognitive, or social science. Computer/information scientists with interest in human behavior are also welcome to apply. Scholars will work closely with each other and the project's lead investigators: computational social scientist Seth Frey @ UC Davis, cognitive scientist Nori Jacoby @ Cornell University, behavioral scientist Ofer Tchernichovski @ Hunter College CUNY, and sociologist Dalton Conley @ Princeton University. The positions will be based in UC Davis and Cornell University

The successful applicant will have:

* Excellent research track record.

* Excellent programming skills.

* Experience in computational and statistical methods and analyses.

* A track record of both independent initiative and effective teamwork.

* Clear argument for alignment with career trajectory/goals

Additional qualities that will be valued if available, or on offer during training:

* Experience in the area of massive online behavioral experiments.

* Formal social/behavioral/cognitive modeling.

* Familiarity with relevant literatures: collective behavior, cultural evolution, computational social science, mathematical psychology, network science, collective intelligence, or the sciences of institutions, organizations, and governance.

* Experience in AI/ML.

* Experience in designing computer games.

* Taking risks in research.

The position will remain open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications starting as early as June 6, 2025. Potential applications should feel comfortable contacting sethfrey@ucdavis.edu and kj338@cornell.edu directly for questions about the call, including its current status.

A reasonable salary estimate for this position is $66,373 - $71,769. with full benefits and union membership.

Submit application materials to: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07059.

PhD required. Degree in hand at the time of appointment (applications from students close to completing their degrees considered).

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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