The médialab is hiring a doctoral researcher to work on the role of science and politics in the sharing of misinformation. This position is part of a project funded by the McCourt Institute.
About the project
The goal of the project is to connect descriptive insights into the diffusion of misinformation with experimental results on the causes and mechanisms that give rise to observed diffusion patterns. This project specifically targets personal messaging-based platforms to ask questions such as how misinformation spreads through private and public channels? In doing so, it focuses on the role played by two traditional institutions—politics and science—asking, for example, to what extent their involvement fosters or dampens the sharing of (mis)information? The project will be developed inside the médialab, but in interaction with other projects and researchers from Sciences Po and in exchanges with partner institutions abroad. The doctoral researcher will be enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Sociology at Sciences Po.
The key research themes of the project are outlined here.
Profile and skills
The doctoral scholar should have experience in or strong interest to learn about experimental research in the social sciences. This includes the design and implementation of (online) experiments as well as the analysis of their results. It is helpful if the researcher is able to conduct data analysis of social and media platform data, involving network modelization and text analysis. As part of this position, the doctoral researcher will be given the opportunity to develop his/her own research/ideas broadly related to the above project. Intellectual curiosity and breadth is valued highly in this regard.
Students with a background in social sciences (e.g. sociology, political science, cognitive science) and computational and modeling skills are encouraged to apply. Applicants with a background in natural sciences and technology (e.g. engineering, computer science, and mathematics) are welcome to apply if strong interest exists to become proficient in the social sciences.
The candidate must have a real interest in developing team work. Candidates must be proficient in English, proficiency in French is a plus.
To apply
Send a cover letter detailing your motivation and relevant skills for the position, a brief (1 page) summary of your own idea for a PhD project, and a CV including all the information you deem relevant (for example publications/drafts if any, experience, relevant courses, code repositories) to recrutement.medialab@sciencespo.fr (starting the subject of the email with “[SPSM]”) to receive full consideration.
Review of applications will commence on May 16, 2022; later applications will be considered until the position is filled.
For inquiries about the position do not hesitate to contact: achim.edelmann@sciencespo.fr or jeanphilippe.cointet@sciencespo.fr
