Postdoctoral Scholar Positions in Complementary AI

How to Apply

Apply Here for all Postdoctoral Positions

Attachments to include:

  1. Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for pursuing interdisciplinary research;
  2. Curriculum vitae (including publications list);
  3. Two published papers or equivalent writing samples that best demonstrate your expertise and fit for the position;
  4. Research statement (2-4 pages) that outlines your research achievements and agenda, as well as your service and outreach activities (optional);
  5. Contact information for three or more scholars who know your work and are willing to write letters of reference;
  6. An example (e.g., GitHub links or code in any language) of working software you have written (optional);
  7. Link to a professional webpage and Google Scholar page (optional)

Postdoctoral Scholar Positions in Complementary AI

We seek outstanding candidates for a funded postdoctoral position at the University of Chicago exploring complementary artificial intelligence. Under the supervision of James A. Evans and Chenhao Tan in the Data Science Institute at UChicago, postdocs will work at the interface of machine learning (e.g., generative models, large text and multi-model models), human-computer interaction (HCI), and the social and behavioral sciences to engage in empirical research that advances the theory and evidence-base for complementary AI. By this, we mean novel and powerful AI designed not to match and substitute for human capacity, but to compensate for and complement it. The notion of “Artificial Intelligence” as a mimicry of human intelligence has dominated computational intelligence designs for more than half a century and inspired growing interest and concern regarding artificial general intelligence (AGI). This AGI vision contrasts with an alternative “Augmented Intelligence” vision put forward by others at the same time that gave rise to personal computing and interface design to accelerate thinking by reducing frictions in human access to information but exhibits natural limitations at the boundary of human capacity. As part of a broader initiative at the University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute, we seek to conceive of new designs, training regimes, and opportunities for AI that complement human capacity, explicitly avoid humanity’s blind spots, and helping us overcome our personal and/or collective limitations. The rise of large language and multi-modal models, alongside powerful techniques from the social, behavioral, and neuro-sciences raise powerful new opportunities for identifying human limitations and either training past those limitations (e.g., coaching humans to best engage with or complement AI), or structuring “collaborators” and intelligent systems that offer capacities or vision unavailable to us. We hope to engage in work related to the online information environment, medical decision-making, science and technological discovery, democratic processes, and other area in which powerful complementarities can be designed and demonstrated. Projects may involve theoretical, experimental, and policy-oriented work within the domain.

The initial term of these positions is one year, with possibilities for renewal. The positions require annual renewal for up to 4 years and involve very competitive salary and benefits packages. We review applications on a rolling basis. Target start dates are flexible. Candidates must have a proven record of publications and completed projects that demonstrate an outstanding ability to work with data. Compensation includes a competitive salary and benefits plan and assistance with relocation to Chicago.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in computational social science (e.g., sociology, management, economics, political science), complex systems (e.g., physics, ecology), network science, computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, or related fields. 
  • Prior experience in programming and working with large-scale data; expertise in machine learning is a strong plus. 
  • Active publication record and participation in the scientific community;
  • Strong communication skills;
  • Ability to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment

University Info

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members. We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity. 

 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834- 3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.”