Postdoctoral Scholar

Tufts University • Somerville, MA

5d • $65,000 - $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Civic Studies program at the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life and the Department of Computer Science at Tufts University, in partnership with the Center for Expanding Viewpoints in Higher Education (CEVIHE), seek to host a Postdoctoral Fellow whose research and teaching will focus on using artificial intelligence (AI) to help colleges and universities, other organizations, informal groups, or communities navigate intellectual diversity and debate. The Fellow may develop AI applications, study the impact of existing AI tools, or conduct preliminary research that could lead to applications later, such as tools that combat echo chambers or teach individuals to hear alternative views. The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance, funding, and mutual agreement.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning April 13, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. The hiring range for this position is $65,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will co-teach or contribute to teaching two courses in these areas. These courses will introduce students to recent research, central debates, and technical challenges relevant to AI and intellectual pluralism. These courses will be listed in Civic Studies and may be cross-listed in other relevant departments. The position offers an opportunity to develop an independent research program while gaining teaching experience in a supportive academic environment. The fellow will be encouraged to participate in Tisch College and Computer Science seminars, workshops, and collaborative research activities.

The Postdoctoral Fellowship in Expanding Viewpoints is supported by CEVIHE, which seeks to cultivate early-career scholars whose teaching and research broaden the range of ideas represented in their disciplines and strengthen Tufts’ culture of open inquiry. The Center is committed to renewing the university’s intellectual mission by fostering a culture of engagement across ideological, religious, and cultural differences.

The fellow will maintain their office at CEVIHE, where they will be part of a cohort of postdoctoral fellows representing various departments and programs. The fellow will be supported by a dual-mentor structure, including a faculty mentor in the Department of Computer Science and a CEVIHE faculty mentor, to support research, teaching, and professional development. Fellows are expected to work in person at least four days a week and contribute to the CEVIHE community through attendance at a weekly lunch series, informal mentorship of undergraduates, and participation in occasional Center events. The preferred start date is July 1, 2026, but is negotiable.

Requirements

• Applicants should hold a Ph.D. by the start of the appointment.
• Ideal candidates will have a doctoral degree in a related field, such as computer science or information science (e.g., human-AI interaction, social computing), with a background and interest in both technical and civic dimensions of AI.
• Submit an application letter, a curriculum vitae, a brief research statement, a brief statement of teaching philosophy with a proposed teaching contribution, and at least two confidential letters of reference submitted directly by their authors.

Nice To Haves

• We welcome interdisciplinary backgrounds spanning technical, social scientific, and humanistic approaches.
• The strongest candidates will bring both an understanding of AI systems and a grounding in questions of democratic participation, intellectual pluralism, or collective decision-making.
• Teaching evaluations and sample syllabi may be submitted if available.

Responsibilities

• Co-teach or contribute to teaching two courses in these areas.
• Develop an independent research program.
• Participate in Tisch College and Computer Science seminars, workshops, and collaborative research activities.
• Contribute to the CEVIHE community through attendance at a weekly lunch series, informal mentorship of undergraduates, and participation in occasional Center events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree