Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Anthropology Program

Position ID:MIT-Anthropology Program-POSTDOCLINGANTH [#21614]
Position Title: Postdoctoral Associate in Linguistic, Semiotic, or Computational Anthropology
Position Type:Postdoctoral
Position Location:Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Areas: Cognitive Science
Human Computer Interaction / information visualization
Anthropology / Linguistic
Appl Deadline:2022/05/15 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2022/04/12, finished 2022/07/21)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

MIT’s Anthropology Program seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral Associate in linguistic, semiotic, or computational anthropology for two years, with the possibility for renewal, with a flexible start date (September 1, 2022 to February 1, 2023). The annual stipend is $70,000.00 plus employee benefits.

In addition to conducting their own research, it is anticipated that the associate will have three primary responsibilities: • 40% total time: co-lead an interdisciplinary research project combining linguistic anthropology and human-computer interaction (HCI) to explore the implications of magic for data visualization. Co-sponsored by Anthropology and CSAIL, the project team comprises both social and computer scientists. • 10% total time: teach one 12-unit undergraduate course, such as “Language, Culture, and Communication” or “Language and Technology” each year. • 10% total time: Language and Technology Lab (https://langtechlab.mit.edu): coordinating a recurring workshop, updating the website, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate research partners. Final responsibilities may be adjusted to reflect the individual candidate’s aptitudes and interests.

Job Requirements: REQUIRED: The candidate must have a Ph.D. in linguistic anthropology, human-computer interaction or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

PREFERRED: Some of the qualities that would make a candidate especially well-suited for this position include: • Research interest in human-computer interaction, broadly conceived; • Research interest in design anthropology or design ethnography; • Topical interests in magic or other expressive practices involving visual communication; • Topical interests in semiotics and/or distributed cognition • Experience with both qualitative and quantitative research, including computational and methods and experimental trials; • Experience with collaborative research and a desire to work as part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team in a leadership capacity.

Any questions should be addressed to Carolyn Carlson: carlsonc@mit.edu Applicants should submit the following materials in electronic form (PDF format) through the Academic Jobs Online portal:

1. A cover letter summarizing fields of expertise, qualifications for the associate position, and research agenda. 2. One chapter- or article-length writing sample. 3. Sample syllabus for an introductory level course in linguistic, semiotic, or computational anthropology (such as “Language, Culture, and Communication” or “Language and Technology”) 4. Curriculum vitae, including names of three referees. Letters of reference will be requested as needed, and should not be included with the application. Review of materials will begin at 8:00 am EST on May 16, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Please note that applications received via mail or courier will not be accepted and processed. MIT is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and strongly encourages applications from women and members of minority groups. Read more about MIT’s Anthropology Program here: https://anthropology.mit.edu.

NOTES: The following information is provided by the employer in accordance with AAA policy. AAA is not responsible for verifying the accuracy of these statements. They are not part of the actual position description submitted for publication by the employer. This employer does prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation/preference.

This employer does prohibit discrimination based on gender identity/expression. This employer offers health insurance benefits to eligible same and opposite-sex domestic partners. This employer does not appear on the AAUP list of censured institutions.

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. MIT’s full policy on Nondiscrimination can be found here. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, including verifying any finding of misconduct (or pending investigation) from prior employers.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://langtechlab.mit.edu
email address
6174522837
 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue
E53-335
Cambridge, MA 02142