"Postdoctoral Research Fellow"

The University of Michigan School of Information seeks to hire a full time postdoctoral research fellow. This scholar will work closely with Dr. Robin Brewer at the University of Michigan School of Information and will be funded by an NSF CAREER award. The selected candidate will first translate research outcomes into design requirements for a scalable system that helps older adults mitigate information uncertainty using artificial intelligence (AI). Next, the postdoc will work with the PI and developers to implement the system and ensure progress on system building. If time permits, the postdoc will evaluate the system with older adults.

The ideal candidate will have experience with system development or project management with developers. Additionally, the candidate should have strong qualitative research skills and be familiar with quantitative methods. Research responsibilities will include designing a study, collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, and writing academic publications.

The fellow will have opportunities to engage with other research groups, centers, and institutions such as other postdocs in the School of Information, AHA, and ESC.

Responsibilities:

• Translate a body of design suggestions to design requirements and a workflow for a scalable system for conversational information seeking (by text chat and voice)
• Meet regularly with developers and the project PI to ensure progress is being made on system development
• Thoroughly test the final system
• If time, evaluate the system with older adults in a field study

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD in Information, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field; conferred by the start date
• Experience translating research outcomes into design recommendations for a scalable system
• Experience communicating with developers
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to conduct evaluative research using a mixed methods approach
• Experience conducting interviews or focus groups with older adults or other marginalized populations

40 hours per week; some flexibility in when those work hours occur as long as good communication and close coordination practices are in place.

To be considered for this position, applicants should submit their materials to Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/179185

1. Cover letter (1-2 pages) which includes a summary of your research interests/experience, personal research goals, career objectives, and why you are interested in this position at UMSI.
2. Curriculum vita
3. Name, affiliation, and email address of three (3) references, at least one of whom should be in an academic position and familiar with your research. Only finalists' references will be asked to provide letters, but reference information is required for all applicants.
4. Two (2) sample publications, of which you are the first author or the lead author, and demonstrate topical expertise to the position.

The deadline for applications is March 1, 2026. The desired start date for this position is May or June 2026. The start date is contingent on degree conferral.

This is a one-year non-renewable appointment. All general inquiries and questions about the position can be sent to rnbrew@umich.edu.

Benefits at the University of Michigan:
The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. For more information about Postdoctoral Research Fellow benefits, please visit the benefits website.