Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The postdoctoral scholar will contribute to projects analyzing and modeling digital socio-technical systems. Our work examines factors that shape the development of digital infrastructures with a particular interest in the role of policy, the information flows enabled by these systems, and their economic and social implications for individuals and communities. Our team comes from a variety of methodological backgrounds, which is reflected in the mixture of quantitative and qualitative research methods we are using for this project. One important goal of our research is to develop models and insights that inform decisionmakers from the local to the national scale.

The candidate will employ appropriate theoretical perspectives and statistical methods, including economic and computational approaches. This research requires working with large datasets and the integration of information from multiple public and private sources. Moreover, our projects explore the spatial aspects of socio-technical systems. Data science skills and an interest in spatial modeling are highly desirable. Experience with multi-disciplinary teams deploying mixed methods in complementary ways is a plus and should be addressed directly in the application. The successful candidate will also contribute to research management, as related to the project.

The candidate will contribute to all stages of research projects, including the development of theoretical models and testable hypotheses, data collection, and data analysis. Moreover, they will contribute to the writing of academic research papers, research reports, policy briefs, and present the work at academic and professional venues. The successful candidate will be trained in responsible conduct of research.

The position is associated with the Quello Center for Media and Information Policy in the Department of Media and Information at Michigan State University. The Quello Center conducts research to inform media, communication, and information policy. Our work critically examines the role of technology, policy and regulation for citizens, communities, and society. We often work with multiple stakeholders to find solutions to harness the full benefits of advanced communications.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Terminal -Information science, data science, economics, computer science, or related field.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have their Ph.D. (or be ABD) in a field related to the project, including, but not limited to, information science, data science, economics, or computer science. A background or a strong interest in more than one of these areas, for example, in data science and economics, is a plus. The applicant must also show evidence of scholarly productivity in the form of journal articles and conference presentations.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should include a letter of interest, graduate transcript, and a current curriculum vitae with contact information for three references. 

Special Instructions

To apply for this position, please refer to posting #1147524 and complete an electronic submission at the Michigan State University Employment opportunities website, careers.msu.edu. 

Review of applications will begin on August 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Anticipated start date is October 1, 2026; however, the start date is negotiable. 

As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches. 

Professional Misconduct Review 

A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage. 

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.  

Review of Applications Begins On

08/01/2026

Website

https://quello.msu.edu/

Department Statement

The Department of Media and Information brings together faculty from diverse disciplines to advance research in human-computer interaction, human-robot interaction, rural computing, game studies and design, and the relationships between technology, policy, health, and society.

Department faculty collaborate across fields such as communication, information science, media, psychology, sociology, design, and human-computer interaction to explore critical challenges and develop innovative solutions. The department values diverse perspectives and methodologies, supporting research that enhances quality of life for individuals and communities. MI is a member of the iSchools consortium and houses a top-ranked program in game design and development.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.