"Associate Director, Technology and Democracy Research Hub, Rutgers Democracy Lab"

Position Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Associate Director for the Technology and Democracy Research Hub. Reporting to the Director of the Hub and up to the Administrative and Academic Directors of RDL, this position combines expertise in social science research methods with the ability to manage projects, foster partnerships, and represent the Hub at state and national levels. The position works directly with the Program Coordinator, as well as a Graduate Assistant and student interns also working at the Hub. The role also participates in cross-team and Institute-wide projects at the RDL and Eagleton Institute of Politics.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Contributes substantively to research projects with expertise in one or more areas: computational social science methods; qualitative and field-based approaches; or policy analysis related to social media and democracy.
• Develops data pipelines and models for collecting and analyzing data from social media platforms and users.
• Fields surveys and experimental studies to analyze the effects of technologies on political behaviors.
• Conducts field research including interviews to understand how social media impacts society.
• Assists Director with the research project management from start to finish including developing project plans, publishing academic and policy reports, supervising and mentoring Graduate Assistants and student interns, managing outside research consultants and vendors, and ensuring the integrity of data and compliance with IRBs.
• Promotes the Hub's research products through policy and academic publications, email newsletters, social media, and other venues to build the profile of the Hub.
• Develops partnerships across Rutgers academic units, other universities, think tanks, industry, and civic organizations.
• Represents the Hub at conferences, policy forums, and academic events at the state and national levels.
• Takes initiative in developing new lines of research, refining ongoing projects, and securing external partnerships.
• Collaborates with the Director to organize public events and workshops showcasing Hub research and advancing public dialogue.
• Supports grant writing and development of external funding opportunities.
• Participates in cross-team and Institute-wide projects at the RDL and Eagleton Institute of Politics.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree and five years of social science research experience on social media and/or democracy, with increasing responsibility or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates expertise in project management, research methods, and issues relevant to technology and democracy.

Equipment Utilized

Microsoft Office Suite — Outlook Email/Calendar, Word/PowerPoint/Excel, Teams.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Eagleton offices are located within a historic building with no elevator. The duties of this position regularly involve navigating stairs numerous times a day. An applicant may request a reasonable accommodation if they have a disability that restricts them in their ability to climb and/or navigate stairs.

Special Conditions

Ability to work evenings occasionally during the academic year and some weekends. This position is paid from a five-year gift, and continuation is contingent upon available funds.

Salary

Maximum salary of $110,000