Postdoctoral Scholar, Center for an Informed Public (CIP)

School / Campus / College: Information School

Organization: Information School

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar, Center for an Informed Public (CIP)

The University of Washington Center for an Informed Public (CIP) invites applications for up to two CIP Postdoctoral Fellows who will be hired as Postdoctoral Scholars. 

The UW CIP is a multidisciplinary institute with a core mission to advance civic health through interdisciplinary research and education initiatives that help individuals, communities, and institutions navigate our complex information environment. Located at the University of Washington, a world-class research university in the Pacific Northwest, this Center leads programs that span research, education, policy and outreach. 

The CIP is particularly interested in studies of information flow in sociotechnical systems; the role of information in the formation and dynamics of values, beliefs, or identities (race, gender, class, ability, etc.); and the role of researchers, educators, librarians, and policy makers in supporting healthy information environments and fostering a more informed and equitable society. Scholars with a strong background in public health, climate science, and related disciplines who are looking to bring their expertise to information integrity and information manipulation are also encouraged to apply. Scholars interested in the role of generative artificial intelligence technology, including tools that produce text, imagery, audio and synthetic data, and information integrity are also encouraged to apply.

CIP Fellows will join a growing team of faculty, students, community partners, and staff all actively involved in addressing the challenges of today’s complex and dynamic information environment. Postdoctoral Fellows will be supervised by one of the Center co-founders and/or faculty, and will work on research projects in service of the Center’s mission. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage in grant writing individually and with CIP collaborators. These positions will begin as early as June 2026 and offer a two-year term. 

The UW CIP offers an exceptional opportunity to work closely with the Center’s co-founders and affiliate faculty, including sociologists, information scientists, computer scientists, and policy experts. Located in Seattle, the position also offers opportunities for engagement with scholars and industry leaders in the area. In addition to the pursuit of individual interests, Fellows will work collaboratively with affiliated faculty groups pursuing more narrowly specified projects. Fellows may pursue projects that utilize the CIP archive of large-scale social media data, as well as design and execute new data collection efforts that utilize existing research infrastructure. 

Postdoctoral Scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website . 

The salary range of this position is $6,681 to $7,500 per month ($80,172 – $90,000 per 12-month academic year). 

• Applicants must have a PhD, JD, EdD, or foreign equivalent by date of appointment. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• An ability to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, including demonstrated success in working with diverse populations.

We will consider candidates who have accepted tenure-track positions at another institution but with the ability to defer their start date.

• A cover letter describing your interest in this position and names of two preferred CIP-affiliated faculty to serve as mentors during the appointment.
• Curriculum vitae, including names and contact information of three references.
• A brief research statement that outlines your research achievements and goals.
• Two published papers, or equivalent writing samples that demonstrate expertise and fit for the position.
• A link to a professional webpage, Google scholar page (if applicable), and github profile (if applicable).

Applications will be accepted until filled. Applications received prior to January 15, 2026 will be given priority. Review of applications will begin immediately. Up to two positions are available. Interested candidates can contact Emma Spiro at espiro@uw.edu with questions. 

You can read more about the CIP at http://cip.uw.edu .

Equal Opportunity

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

Benefits Information

The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information .

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Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.