Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Analysis

Wesleyan University • Middletown, CT

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Wesleyan Media Project (WMP), in collaboration with Wesleyan University’s Hazel Quantitative Analysis Center (QAC) at Wesleyan University, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in computational social science to join us in advancing real-time analyses of political and health-related audiovisual and textual messages using computational methods. WMP leverages large-scale advertising and media messaging datasets applying theory and methods from political science, behavioral and communication science, computer science, and computational social science. Successful candidates will work with the Wesleyan Media Project team on research projects related to media messaging and the 2026 midterms. This fellowship position is for a one-year appointment beginning July 1, 2026 with the possibility of an additional second year contingent upon funding and performance. Individuals with a PhD in political science, computational social science, or a cognate discipline are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise and experience with large language models (programming, benchmarking, human-centered evaluation), strong data science / computational modeling / statistical analysis skills and interest in analysis of audiovisual materials (including sound, images and video). The fellow will work closely with the WMP Co-Directors, WMP’s Program Manager, and QAC faculty and staff on the analysis of textual, visual, and video-based messages from a variety of sources (TV ads, digital/social/online ads, television news, etc.) and will be involved in collaborative publications on an interdisciplinary program to analyze the volume, content, and effect of media messaging on television and online in electoral and health policy contexts. As a fellow, the successful candidate will engage in original research and have the opportunity to present and publish their work. The position will also contribute broadly both to computational analysis in the QAC and in the social sciences at Wesleyan by working with advanced undergraduate students engaged in the lab’s research projects and by offering courses in the Hazel Quantitative Analysis Center. The teaching load is one course per year plus lab supervision. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, including those from groups that have been underrepresented in academia. To apply, visit https://wesleyan.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/careers . A complete application includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing sample, statement of current research, and teaching statement. In the cover letter, applicants should describe how they will embrace the college's commitment to fostering an inclusive community, as well as their experience working with individuals from historically marginalized or underserved groups. You will also be asked to provide the email addresses of three referees from whom we will obtain confidential letters of recommendation. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please contact Erika Franklin Fowler at [email protected] or phone [phone] if you have questions about the application process. Work Location: On Campus All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University. Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator. Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html . Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify. Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html .

Requirements

• PhD in political science, computational social science, or a cognate discipline
• Expertise and experience with large language models (programming, benchmarking, human-centered evaluation)
• Strong data science / computational modeling / statistical analysis skills
• Interest in analysis of audiovisual materials (including sound, images and video)

Responsibilities

• Engage in original research and have the opportunity to present and publish their work.
• Contribute broadly both to computational analysis in the QAC and in the social sciences at Wesleyan by working with advanced undergraduate students engaged in the lab’s research projects and by offering courses in the Hazel Quantitative Analysis Center.
• Teaching load is one course per year plus lab supervision.

Benefits

• broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities
• comprehensive group insurance plans
• wellness programs and incentives
• generous paid time off and retirement plans
• flexible work schedules
• employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree