Postdoctoral Research Associate, Organization and Evolution of Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Innovation

About the School

The University of Virginia School of Data Science—the first of its kind in the nation—advances discovery, innovation, and societal impact through collaborative, open, and responsible data science research and education. Founded in 2019, the School brings together expertise across business, computation, engineering, humanities, law, mathematics, social sciences, statistics, and law to address complex, real‑world challenges. Its academic offerings include a B.S. in Data Science, an undergraduate minor, residential and online M.S. in Data Science programs, and a Ph.D. in Data Science, all designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving data‑driven world.

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.

Our 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.

Minimum Qualifications

- Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in Data Science, network science, computer science, computation social science, sociology, applied mathematics, or a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

- We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in network analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, or large-scale computational analysis.

- We value 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 position will remain open until it is filled. This is a full-time in-person position at the School of Data Science at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. The initial appointment is for one year (restricted); however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional year contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance. This is an exempt level, benefited position.

Anticipated Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible but no later than Summer 2027.

Health and Other Benefits (visit Health and Other Benefits for additional information)

- UVA Health Plan: the choice between 3 different health plans

- Vision Coverage

- Dental Plan

- Benefit Savings Plans

- Life Insurance

- Disability Benefits

- Paid Time Off: starting with 22 days of time off per year, 12 or more holidays, 8 weeks parental leave

Education Benefits (visit Education Benefits for additional information)

After six months of employment, full-time and part-time (20+ hours) employees in a benefits-eligible position are offered options of:

- Use of up to $5250 per calendar year towards a for-credit degree program or for-credit certificate program

- Use of up to $2000 of the total $5250 noted above per calendar year for professional development including job-related training, conferences, and initial certificate exams.

Application Process

Please visit the UVA job board: Careers at UVA Jobs and search for R0088899 .

Complete an application online and attach:

- Cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience to this position

- Resume or CV

Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants:  Search and apply for jobs on the  UVA Internal Careers website .

References will be completed via direct reach. Please plan to provide at least three references when applying.

A background check is required and will be conducted per university policy prior to the first day of employment.

For questions about the position , contact Assistant Professor Alex Gates at [email protected].

For questions about the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Human Resources Recruiter, at [email protected].

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community , please see www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/ .

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Doctoral degree
Experience: None
Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .