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CDCS Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2025-2026

Yang, Guobin

Fri, Jan 10, 2025 7:52 PM

Please see below for our call for postdoctoral fellowship applications. -Guobin

Center on Digital Culture and Society (CDCS)
University of Pennsylvania
Call for Applications - Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2025-2026

The Center on Digital Culture and Society
(https://www.asc.upenn.edu/research/centers/center-on-digital-culture-and-society)
at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communication
invites applications to fill one postdoctoral fellowship position for
the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications are welcomed from scholars
who have received their Ph.D. or equivalent degrees in or after May
2022. The term of appointment is: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026.

CDCS supports critical, interdisciplinary scholarship on digital culture,
technology, and society. CDCS aims to develop critical approaches to
digital cultural studies and create an intellectual community for
dialogue and collaboration among academics, citizens, and activists.

CDCS postdoctoral fellowships support research on all aspects of digital
culture and society which fall within CDCS’s broad mission. Fellows at
the CDCS pursue their own research but are expected to be in residence
and to be fully engaged in the life of the Center.

Fellows are provided a minimum stipend of $66,300, commensurate with
previous postdoctoral experience, a research fund of $3,000, individual
health insurance and dependent coverage, a workspace and a computer, and
library access. In addition, CDCS will cover $1000 in domestic
relocation expenses and $2000 if moving internationally. All
postdoctoral fellows must submit documentation to demonstrate
eligibility to work in the United States and provide either a notarized
copy of a diploma, or notarized statement from a registrar or University
official confirming completion of doctoral degree requirements. Non-US
citizens selected for this position will be required to apply for an
appropriate US visa.

To receive full consideration, applications should be received by
February 14, 2025. To apply, please send a C.V., a research statement,
a writing sample, a list of three references with contact information
as one pdf document to: cdcs@asc.upenn.edu
mailto:cdcs@asc.upenn.edu. Reference letters will be requested of
shortlisted applicants only.

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented
students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences and
perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on
the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age,
disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status
in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or
athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its
employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy
should be directed to: The Executive Director of the Office of
Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs
(https://oaaeop.upenn.edu/about),
Franklin Building, Suite 421, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
19104-6205, (215) 898-6993.

Guobin Yang
Grace Lee Boggs Professor of Communication & Sociology
Annenberg School for Communication
& Department of Sociology, School of Arts and Sciences
Director, Center on Digital Culture and Society
Deputy Director, Center for the Study of Contemporary China
University of Pennsylvania
New books: The Wuhan Lockdown (2022) and Pandemic Crossings (2024)

Please see below for our call for postdoctoral fellowship applications. -Guobin Center on Digital Culture and Society (CDCS) University of Pennsylvania Call for Applications - Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2025-2026 The Center on Digital Culture and Society (<https://www.asc.upenn.edu/research/centers/center-on-digital-culture-and-society>) at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communication invites applications to fill one postdoctoral fellowship position for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications are welcomed from scholars who have received their Ph.D. or equivalent degrees in or after May 2022. The term of appointment is: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026. CDCS supports critical, interdisciplinary scholarship on digital culture, technology, and society. CDCS aims to develop critical approaches to digital cultural studies and create an intellectual community for dialogue and collaboration among academics, citizens, and activists. CDCS postdoctoral fellowships support research on all aspects of digital culture and society which fall within CDCS’s broad mission. Fellows at the CDCS pursue their own research but are expected to be in residence and to be fully engaged in the life of the Center. Fellows are provided a minimum stipend of $66,300, commensurate with previous postdoctoral experience, a research fund of $3,000, individual health insurance and dependent coverage, a workspace and a computer, and library access. In addition, CDCS will cover $1000 in domestic relocation expenses and $2000 if moving internationally. All postdoctoral fellows must submit documentation to demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States and provide either a notarized copy of a diploma, or notarized statement from a registrar or University official confirming completion of doctoral degree requirements. Non-US citizens selected for this position will be required to apply for an appropriate US visa. To receive full consideration, applications should be received by February 14, 2025. To apply, please send a C.V., a research statement, a writing sample, a list of three references with contact information as one pdf document to: cdcs@asc.upenn.edu <mailto:cdcs@asc.upenn.edu>. Reference letters will be requested of shortlisted applicants only. The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to: The Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs (<https://oaaeop.upenn.edu/about>), Franklin Building, Suite 421, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205, (215) 898-6993. --- Guobin Yang Grace Lee Boggs Professor of Communication & Sociology Annenberg School for Communication & Department of Sociology, School of Arts and Sciences Director, Center on Digital Culture and Society Deputy Director, Center for the Study of Contemporary China University of Pennsylvania New books: The Wuhan Lockdown (2022) and Pandemic Crossings (2024)

James Witte

Fri, Jan 10, 2025 8:25 PM

Happy 2025 -

We are still collecting data — as a former CITAMS chair I would like to see the section's views registered.

best,
jim

Several months ago, we reached out to each of the ASA Sections to inform them about an NSF funded survey to gauge sociologists’ perceptions of the use of AI in the peer review process. Using manuscript abstracts submitted to ASR as vignettes assess perceptions of efficiency and bias when the review process takes one of three formats: 1) reviewed solely by human reviewers, 2) reviewed by humans with AI assistance, and 3) reviewed with AI as a decisionmaker. Further details are below.

We recently began data collection using email addresses for graduate programs listed in the ASA Guide. You may have already received an individual email invitation to participate. If you have done so – thank you!

But we know that many sociologists are not in graduate programs, so we believe it is important to work through each of the ASA sections as well to elicit participation.

The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. Below is a survey link that we have created for each section. We would be most grateful if you could distribute this link to your section membership either in email or newsletter format.


https://gmuchss.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3xuL4NUZWK6fvrE?ASASection=CommInformationTech

Note This link would NOT identify individual respondents but would give a sense of percepts among section members—perceptions that may vary across sections. Aggregated section level responses could be shared with you if you wish, but again no individual responses. Please let us know (via jwitte@gmu.edu) know if you have any questions and/or interest in supporting.

Best,

Laurie A. Schintler, PI; Connie L. McNeely, co-PI; James Witte, co-PI
George Mason University

Perceptions of Efficiency and Bias in Peer Review: Algorithmic versus Human Decision Making

ABSTRACT
This project will develop improved methods and concepts to guide the development and application of new digital technologies that could be used in peer review processes for evaluating scientific publishing and funding outcomes. The research team will seek to compare perceptions of peer review decisions assisted by algorithms to those made by humans. The focus of the research is on the ethics and value of using algorithms in peer review. On the one hand, algorithmic peer review serves an instrumental purpose, purportedly offering the ability to make more efficient decisions. On the other hand, algorithms can produce biased and discriminatory decisions, which can raise ethical concerns about their use. This study will expand knowledge of how algorithms relate to the norms, values, and institutional imperatives that dictate how science as a human and machine endeavor should be conducted.

The research team will carry out a factorial survey based on experiments in which research participants are presented with vignettes regarding human and algorithmic peer review decision making. The participants will be asked to assess the legitimacy of each scenario in light of bias and efficiency. The team will employ various techniques, principally multi-level econometric methods, to analyze data drawn from the survey and other sources, including sociology publications. The team will use an institutionalist approach to frame and delineate key concepts and relationships and to formulate research hypotheses that are empirically meaningful and theoretically appealing. The project will offer insights on measuring both pragmatic and moral legitimacy as they pertain to peer review. The project will also provide an adaptable survey tool and approach for gauging perceptions about algorithmic versus human peer review decisions and other scholarly communication activities. Accordingly, it addresses foundational issues in the philosophy of science, sociology of science and technology, and science communication.

This project is jointly funded through the ER2 program by the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences and the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering.

James "Jim" Witte
Director, Institute for Immigration Research http://iir.gmu.edu http://iir.gmu.edu/
Professor of Sociology http://soan.gmu.edu/people/jwitte
Senior Research Fellow, the Mercatus Center https://www.mercatus.org/
George Mason University
4400 University Drive, MSN 1H5
Fairfax, VA 22030
jwitte@gmu.edu
@jamescwitte
864-508-2425 (cell)

From: Yang, Guobin guobin.yang@asc.upenn.edu
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2025 2:52 PM
To: citams@list.citams.org citams@list.citams.org
Subject: [CITAMS]CDCS Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2025-2026

External Message: Use Caution

Please see below for our call for postdoctoral fellowship applications. -Guobin

Center on Digital Culture and Society (CDCS)
University of Pennsylvania
Call for Applications - Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2025-2026

University of Pennsylvania
New books: The Wuhan Lockdown (2022) and Pandemic Crossings (2024)

Happy 2025 - We are still collecting data — as a former CITAMS chair I would like to see the section's views registered. best, jim Several months ago, we reached out to each of the ASA Sections to inform them about an NSF funded survey to gauge sociologists’ perceptions of the use of AI in the peer review process. Using manuscript abstracts submitted to ASR as vignettes assess perceptions of efficiency and bias when the review process takes one of three formats: 1) reviewed solely by human reviewers, 2) reviewed by humans with AI assistance, and 3) reviewed with AI as a decisionmaker. Further details are below. We recently began data collection using email addresses for graduate programs listed in the ASA Guide. You may have already received an individual email invitation to participate. If you have done so – thank you! But we know that many sociologists are not in graduate programs, so we believe it is important to work through each of the ASA sections as well to elicit participation. The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. Below is a survey link that we have created for each section. We would be most grateful if you could distribute this link to your section membership either in email or newsletter format.  https://gmuchss.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3xuL4NUZWK6fvrE?ASASection=CommInformationTech Note This link would NOT identify individual respondents but would give a sense of percepts among section members—perceptions that may vary across sections. Aggregated section level responses could be shared with you if you wish, but again no individual responses. Please let us know (via jwitte@gmu.edu) know if you have any questions and/or interest in supporting. Best, Laurie A. Schintler, PI; Connie L. McNeely, co-PI; James Witte, co-PI George Mason University ********** Perceptions of Efficiency and Bias in Peer Review: Algorithmic versus Human Decision Making ABSTRACT This project will develop improved methods and concepts to guide the development and application of new digital technologies that could be used in peer review processes for evaluating scientific publishing and funding outcomes. The research team will seek to compare perceptions of peer review decisions assisted by algorithms to those made by humans. The focus of the research is on the ethics and value of using algorithms in peer review. On the one hand, algorithmic peer review serves an instrumental purpose, purportedly offering the ability to make more efficient decisions. On the other hand, algorithms can produce biased and discriminatory decisions, which can raise ethical concerns about their use. This study will expand knowledge of how algorithms relate to the norms, values, and institutional imperatives that dictate how science as a human and machine endeavor should be conducted. The research team will carry out a factorial survey based on experiments in which research participants are presented with vignettes regarding human and algorithmic peer review decision making. The participants will be asked to assess the legitimacy of each scenario in light of bias and efficiency. The team will employ various techniques, principally multi-level econometric methods, to analyze data drawn from the survey and other sources, including sociology publications. The team will use an institutionalist approach to frame and delineate key concepts and relationships and to formulate research hypotheses that are empirically meaningful and theoretically appealing. The project will offer insights on measuring both pragmatic and moral legitimacy as they pertain to peer review. The project will also provide an adaptable survey tool and approach for gauging perceptions about algorithmic versus human peer review decisions and other scholarly communication activities. Accordingly, it addresses foundational issues in the philosophy of science, sociology of science and technology, and science communication. This project is jointly funded through the ER2 program by the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences and the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering. James "Jim" Witte Director, Institute for Immigration Research http://iir.gmu.edu<http://iir.gmu.edu/> Professor of Sociology http://soan.gmu.edu/people/jwitte Senior Research Fellow, the Mercatus Center https://www.mercatus.org/ George Mason University 4400 University Drive, MSN 1H5 Fairfax, VA 22030 jwitte@gmu.edu @jamescwitte 864-508-2425 (cell) ________________________________ From: Yang, Guobin <guobin.yang@asc.upenn.edu> Sent: Friday, January 10, 2025 2:52 PM To: citams@list.citams.org <citams@list.citams.org> Subject: [CITAMS]CDCS Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2025-2026 External Message: Use Caution Please see below for our call for postdoctoral fellowship applications. -Guobin Center on Digital Culture and Society (CDCS) University of Pennsylvania Call for Applications - Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2025-2026 The Center on Digital Culture and Society (<https://www.asc.upenn.edu/research/centers/center-on-digital-culture-and-society>) at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communication invites applications to fill one postdoctoral fellowship position for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications are welcomed from scholars who have received their Ph.D. or equivalent degrees in or after May 2022. The term of appointment is: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026. CDCS supports critical, interdisciplinary scholarship on digital culture, technology, and society. CDCS aims to develop critical approaches to digital cultural studies and create an intellectual community for dialogue and collaboration among academics, citizens, and activists. CDCS postdoctoral fellowships support research on all aspects of digital culture and society which fall within CDCS’s broad mission. Fellows at the CDCS pursue their own research but are expected to be in residence and to be fully engaged in the life of the Center. Fellows are provided a minimum stipend of $66,300, commensurate with previous postdoctoral experience, a research fund of $3,000, individual health insurance and dependent coverage, a workspace and a computer, and library access. In addition, CDCS will cover $1000 in domestic relocation expenses and $2000 if moving internationally. All postdoctoral fellows must submit documentation to demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States and provide either a notarized copy of a diploma, or notarized statement from a registrar or University official confirming completion of doctoral degree requirements. Non-US citizens selected for this position will be required to apply for an appropriate US visa. To receive full consideration, applications should be received by February 14, 2025. To apply, please send a C.V., a research statement, a writing sample, a list of three references with contact information as one pdf document to: cdcs@asc.upenn.edu <mailto:cdcs@asc.upenn.edu>. Reference letters will be requested of shortlisted applicants only. The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to: The Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs (<https://oaaeop.upenn.edu/about>), Franklin Building, Suite 421, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205, (215) 898-6993. --- Guobin Yang Grace Lee Boggs Professor of Communication & Sociology Annenberg School for Communication & Department of Sociology, School of Arts and Sciences Director, Center on Digital Culture and Society Deputy Director, Center for the Study of Contemporary China University of Pennsylvania New books: The Wuhan Lockdown (2022) and Pandemic Crossings (2024)