Postdoctoral Research Associate

About The Position

The Connected Data Hub at the University of Virginia's School of Data Science seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study the organization and evolution of science, artificial intelligence, and innovation. Research combines network science, computational social science, and large-scale data analysis to understand how knowledge is produced, how scientific communities and technological systems evolve, and what shapes the direction and impact of research.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to ongoing projects and develop new research directions in one or more of the following areas:
• Science of science: Understanding how scientific discoveries emerge, how research teams and institutions shape innovation, and how funding and organizational structures influence research outcomes.
• AI systems and ecosystems: Studying the development, adoption, and governance of AI technologies, including open-source communities, human–AI collaboration, and the changing role of AI in scientific discovery.
• Networks and collective knowledge production: Investigating how collaboration, expertise, and information flow through complex networks, and how these structures shape collective problem-solving, scientific recognition, and technological progress.
• Work with large-scale datasets spanning scientific publications, research funding, software development, academic institutions, and emerging AI ecosystems.
• Interest in developing new theoretical, computational, or empirical approaches to the above questions.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in Data Science, network science, computer science, computation social science, sociology, applied mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Experience in network analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, or large-scale computational analysis.
• Intellectual curiosity, methodological creativity, and the ability to develop and pursue independent research questions.
• Prior experience in the science of science or AI research is welcome but not required.

Position Details

• This is a full-time, in-person position at the School of Data Science at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.
• Initial appointment is for one year, renewable for an additional year contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance.
• Exempt level, benefited position.
• Anticipated Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000
• Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible but no later than Summer 2027.

Benefits

• UVA Health Plan: Choice of 3 different health plans.
• Vision Coverage.
• Dental Plan.
• Benefit Savings Plans.
• Life Insurance.
• Disability Benefits.
• Paid Time Off: Starting with 22 days per year, 12+ holidays, 8 weeks parental leave.
• Education Benefits: Up to $5250/year towards a for-credit degree or certificate program; up to $2000/year for professional development.

Physical Demands

• Primarily sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers.
• Occasional travel to attend meetings and programs.