California Institute of Technology

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Postdoctoral position(s) in the Caltech Center for Science, Society, and Public Policy

The Center for Science, Society, and Public Policy is a new Center to be launched within the Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences at Caltech in early 2023. It will provide a forum for research and discussion around issues at the intersection of science, ethics, and public policy. The goal is to create a research hub that hosts working groups on topics where Caltech is uniquely positioned to contribute to debates. Professors Michael Alvarez (political science) and Frederick Eberhardt (philosophy) will serve as founding Co-Directors. Activities of the Center will focus on areas of scientific research with direct policy implications. The expectation is that these will include, but are not limited to, artificial intelligence, geo-engineering, bio-technology, and sustainability.

We aim to recruit two energetic postdoctoral scholars who are excited to help build a Center at the intersection of science and policy. The postdocs are expected to develop and teach one undergraduate course per year on a topic relevant to the Center. In collaboration with the Co-Directors, the postdocs would have the opportunity to shape the research focus and profile of the Center, to develop and advance new research projects, and to take part in organizing and hosting high-profile keynote speakers and discussion panels.

The duration of the fellowship is up to two years: an initial one-year appointment with an annual renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance. Applicants should hold or be completing a PhD in a relevant field where they have developed extensive experience with issues that arise at the intersection of science and society.

Successful candidates are expected to take the initiative to explore new territory and to engage broadly with other stakeholders at Caltech and beyond.

Requirements: The positions are contingent upon completion of the PhD. Interested candidates are asked to submit a CV, a 2-3-page Research Statement, and three names of reference letter writers (as well as two letters) to Sabrina Hameister at sboschet@caltech.edu. The Research Statement (or a separate document) should contain a section that addresses past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g., mentoring activities, committee service, research, or teaching activities). A cover letter (maximum 1 page) is optional.

Applications will be reviewed starting on December 15, 2022 and will remain open until positions are filled.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy effective October 15, 2021, requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees (with Institute-approved exemptions for religious or medical contraindications only). At present, an individual is deemed “vaccinated” when that person has received, at least 14 days prior, either the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series (e.g., Pfizer or Moderna) or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson). Upon eligibility, employees are required to receive the COVID-19 booster as part of the vaccine mandate. As a condition of employment, employees must submit official COVID-19 vaccine documentation. More information may be found at https://together.caltech.edu.