Fellowships
-
Description
Data Science Institute Postdoctoral Scholars Program
The Data Science Institute (DSI) at the University of Chicago invites applications for Postdoctoral Scholars who wish to advance cutting-edge data science approaches, methods, and applications in research. The Data Science Institute (DSI) executes the University of Chicago’s bold, innovative vision of Data Science as a new discipline by advancing interdisciplinary research, partnerships with industry, government, and social impact organizations, and holistic approach to data science education.
The DSI is part of a vibrant and growing data science community which includes departments across campus as well as the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTIC).
This unique program provides postdocs with the opportunity to pursue original research on significant questions in data science. Drawing on the University of Chicago’s top-ranked programs, world-renowned faculty, as well as a vibrant and quickly expanding data science ecosystem, this program will allow postdoctoral scholars to engage in field-defining data science and artificial intelligence research. Our positions carry a competitive salary, generous research funding allowances, and benefits.
To learn more about the current cohort of Postdoctoral Scholars, please see this news piece profiling their research interests and projects.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
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 identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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 773-702-1032 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.
Contact:
For questions about this application, please contact: data-science@uchicago.edu.
The ZhengTong Fellowship Fund, which supports the Data Science Institute Postdoctoral Scholars program, was established with generous support from ZhengTong Group.
-
Application
The application for the FY23 DSI Postdoctoral Scholars Program has closed. We are no longer accepting new applications.
Timeline:
- Review of all applications received before January 7, 2022 is now underway, and we will continue to accept and review applications until all positions are filled (i.e. for as long as the competition is live). Applicants who are interested in the position should still apply.
- Earliest start date: September 1, 2022
Eligibility:
If you have any questions about your eligibility, please feel free to send an email to data-science@uchicago.edu.
- Completion of all requirements for a Ph.D. required at the time of appointment.
- Applicants may only submit one application.
- We welcome applications from researchers who are using data science to advance the state of the art in their respective field (e.g., humanities, social sciences, natural and physical sciences).
- Postdoctoral scholars will be expected to be active participants in the Data Science Institute (DSI) at UChicago, and may be requested to take on leadership roles in one or more of the DSI initiatives.
Application Materials:
- Curriculum vitae;
- Summary of the candidate’s current research (250 words);
- Research statement that outlines research goals and significance, research plan, and motivation for seeking a postdoctoral appointment at UChicago (maximum of 3 pages, not including references);
- 1-2 representative publications or manuscripts;
- Names and contact information for at least two and up to five references (the application is complete only when two letters of reference have been submitted, so please contact referees early in the application process). Referees will be provided with a link to the submission portal;
- Names of potential UChicago faculty mentors;
- (Optional) Indicate interest in any of the DSI Research Initiatives (AI & Science, Data & Democracy, Internet Equity and Access);
- (Optional) Applicants may include a letter of collaboration from a UChicago faculty mentor who has agreed to mentor the applicant if the scholar is accepted into the program. Please use the following template for the letter:
- “If Dr. [insert full name of applicant] is accepted as a Data Science Institute Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Chicago, it is my intent to act as a mentor on a project of mutual interest.”
The Data Science Institute team will also be available to help identify potential faculty mentors if you move forward in the application process. As examples of faculty who may be available as mentors, please consult the “Mentors & Project Examples” tab.
Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be reviewed by the DSI Postdoctoral Committee using the following factors:
- Research Potential: Overall potential for research excellence, as demonstrated by the applicant’s research statement, goals and long-term career goals.
- Academic Progress: Academic progress to date, as evidenced by publications and endorsements from their faculty advisor or recommender.
- Data Science Background: Experience or coursework in computer science, statistics, data science, AI, or a related field.
- Impact: Approaches, methods, systems, measurement studies, or theory that advances foundational approaches in data science, develops solutions to real-world problems in industry or civil society, or both.
- Research Alignment: Relevance of research plan to DSI’s research initiatives and projects.
Contact:
For questions about this application, please contact data-science@uchicago.edu.
-
Program Structure & Benefits
Our positions carry a competitive salary, generous research funding allowances, and unique benefits.
What you’ll do:
- Independent Research: Scholars will have the freedom to pursue their own research interests with a majority of their time spent working on scholar-driven research projects and no teaching responsibilities.
- Joint Research with Mentor: collaborative work on cutting-edge research projects.
- Professional Development: Scholars will gain training and experience with: mentoring and outreach through our summer lab and clinic programs; communicating your research to a broad audience; engaging with the media and external stakeholders; and applying for and securing funding.
- Program Benefits
-
Mentorship
Mentors will provide ongoing research and career guidance through regular meetings, as well as opportunities to promote the scholar’s accomplishments in public forums. Scholars have the option to receive mentorship from a single faculty member or joint mentorship from a data science researcher and a domain expert.
-
Unique Datasets
Scholars will have privileged, unique access to large-scale datasets from a variety of sectors.
-
Cohort Program
The program will host activities where scholars can connect with members of their cohort, share knowledge, and gain insight through guest lectures, industry speakers, and other activities. Scholars will have autonomy and resources to select, host, and invite speakers, with support from DSI administrative staff.
-
Outreach and Impact
Scholars will have considerable opportunities to establish new relationships and translate their research into real-world impact by leveraging our network of academic, civic, government, and industry connections.
-
Academia/Industry Ready
Experience gained during the program will help scholars prepare for diverse career paths from tenure-track academic positions to leadership opportunities within innovative companies.
-
Mentors & Project Examples
As part of the Data Science Institute Postdoctoral Scholars program, postdocs will have the opportunity to work on collaborative projects in cutting-edge research areas. Learn more about potential faculty mentors and sample projects below.
If you are interested in working with a particular mentor (listed below or elsewhere at UChicago), please indicate the area(s) and mentor name within your application. Please note that the list of example mentors and projects below is not exhaustive.
Applicants will also have the opportunity to indicate interest in the following Research Initiatives at the Data Science Institute:
- Internet Equity and Access: Developing new data science tools to measure broadband access and working with community partners to make high-speed internet accessible to all.
- AI & Science: Advancing the new frontier of artificial intelligence and scientific discovery.
- Data & Democracy: Transformational research initiative focused on democracy in the digital age.
-
Committee
-
FAQ
- Frequently Asked Questions
-
When is the application due?
We will begin application review on January 3, 2022 and will continue accepting and reviewing applications until all available positions are filled.
-
Where can we find potential mentors?
We have listed example mentors and projects on the website. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and you are welcome to search for potential mentors elsewhere within the UChicago data science community.
On the application, you will be asked to list any UChicago mentors who you are interested in working with. They can be from the list of mentors provided here, or elsewhere within the University, provided that they are related to your research agenda.
-
Is the letter of collaboration from UChicago faculty required? Is there a template?
You are not required to submit a letter of collaboration from a UChicago faculty member, however you are welcome to if you would like. The purpose of a letter of collaboration is for a UChicago faculty member to indicate that they would be willing to work with you should you be admitted to the program. A brief template for the letter is provided on the InfoReady application.
-
Are international applicants eligible to apply?
Yes, international applicants are eligible to apply.
-
Is it possible to begin the postdoctoral fellowship position later than the September 1, 2022 start date?
If for any reason you would need to request a later start date – in particular if your PhD will not be finished before the September 1, 2022 start date – please indicate so on your application.
-
How much time is split between independent research, joint work with mentors, and outreach?
The exact percentages of time depend on each postdoctoral fellow’s research agenda, however the bulk of time is reserved for independent research.
-
Does the 3 page limit for the research statement include references?
The research statement should be maximum 3 pages, not including references.