Postdoc research fellow Full-time

The School of Information at the University of Texas at Austin invites applications for up to four new full-time post-doctoral Bullard Research Fellow positions to start in 2024, with the exact start date depending on applicant availability and completion of doctoral studies. These are 12-month positions that can be renewed for a second year contingent upon performance.
We are seeking applicants with active research plans in any of the following areas:
BRF1) We seek applicants with active research plans in the areas of searching as learning, understanding searching as a human learning process, assessing learning in the search process, designing search systems to support human learning, supporting creativity in search, incorporating generative AI in enhancing creative thinking processes, credibility assessment of AI generated content, evaluation of learning-centric search systems, information searching behavior, and interactive information retrieval. BRF2) We seek applicants with active research plans in A) accessibility in online learning and B) AI in K16 education. Area A) provides an opportunity for a post-doc to study the technological, human, and social-cultural factors that impact the perceived usability and accessibility of online education and associated technologies for people with disabilities and older adults (65 ). Example area(s) include but not limited to online courseware accessibility, learning content management systems, virtual peer support networks, online courses for the benefit of older adults. Area B) provides an opportunity for a post-doc to study the ethical and practical implications of AI-based technologies used in K16 education, such as personalization of learning, intelligent user interfaces, and ethical design of AI for the classroom. It’s possible to pursue research that intersects both areas. BRF3) We seek applicants with active research plans in interactive information retrieval and its intersection with neuro-information science and/or genAI. This position will provide an opportunity for a post-doc to shape this emerging research area(s). Another is to investigate, from human-centered perspective, incorporating large language models (LLMs) to enhance the process of information finding. Experimental studies will be conducted in our state-of-the-art Information eXperience (IX) lab. BRF4) We seek applicants with active research plans in knowledge infrastructures, sociology of science, the future of work, and/or rural informatics. The successful candidate will have an ongoing research plan exploring the ethical development, diffusion, and impact of information technology and infrastructures for 1) environmental management and conservation, 2) precision and digital agricultural work, or 3) policy work related to the prior two areas. We seek outstanding interdisciplinary researchers exploring the technologically-structured and -mediated relationship between human and non-human life, and who wish to explore how data, data practices, and information technology impact workers. BRF5) Seeking applicants to undertake research exploring the structural barriers impacting equity in data-centric design (this is part of ongoing grant work, taking upon a mixed methods approach. The next phase will require design workshops with historically marginalized technology users as well as software designers and developers). Researchers should be interested in or experienced with community-based participatory research in supporting critical and cultural computing and supporting ethically responsible sociotechnical experiences. BRF6) Seeking applicants with interests at the intersection of human behavior and the arts, particularly in relation to the psychology of collectors, including the emotional and affective dynamics of identity, the development of connoisseurship, and the assessment of value and aesthetics. Such research aims to extend informatics research in community, expertise, authenticity, cultural preservation, and identity to address the contemporary manifestation of routine human activities related to the acquisition, retention and use of both physical and digital materials that serve purposes other than utilitarian. BRF7) We seek applicants in natural language processing (NLP), information retrieval (IR), and human computation & crowdsourcing (HCOMP). A variety of our ongoing work touches on large language models (LLMs). This position will be mentored by Matt Lease, as part of his lab for Artificial Intelligence and Human-Centered Computing (AI&HCC), and provide collaboration opportunities in UT Austin’s campus-wide Good Systems grand challenge for responsible AI.
The Bullard Research Fellows program ( is designed to allow exceptionally promising young scholars the time to develop their own research while collaborating with leading established scholars and researchers. It is designed to accelerate careers, and to maximize the ability of Bullard Research Fellows to build independent research trajectories. To accomplish this, a portion of each fellow’s time will be reserved for their own independent research and publication efforts, including publishing results from their dissertation.
Additionally, all Bullard Research Fellows will work with a mentor or mentors on research projects in the areas listed above, all of which are either already active or are collecting data in anticipation of funding. All post-docs will be given opportunities for guest lecturing and will be expected to give public seminars.
Each post-doctoral fellow will have access to up to $5,000 annually for research expenses and travel to professional conferences and research opportunities. A laptop computer will also be provided for the duration of the fellowship.
For all of the above positions, we only seek candidates with excellent research and leadership abilities and a commitment to contributing to the UT Austin iSchool and the field of information more broadly while accelerating their career.
That degree must be in a field relevant to their area of research and will normally have been awarded no more than three years prior to their start date. Exceptions to the three-year limit will be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly for candidates who have taken positions outside academia and wish to return to academic research. Candidates must articulate clearly in their application materials what independent project they propose to work on during their fellowship in addition to their time working on iSchool faculty projects. This position is eligible for H-1B sponsorship.
Application Instructions
Applications will be accepted until available positions are filled, however candidates wishing to ensure consideration should apply before April 10, 2024, when we will begin reviewing applications.
These post-doctoral positions are for academics in the early stages of their career who demonstrate exceptional potential as a scholar and researcher. Applicants should either have completed a doctoral degree, or be able to convincingly demonstrate that they will complete the degree before they intend to start this post-doctoral fellowship (e.g. by documenting a scheduled viva/final defense). Required materials:
a clear articulation of your fit with the UT Austin iSchool, addressing how your expertise overlaps with, enhances, or expands upon the research area indicated for your position(s) of interest. Research statement (2-3 pages) that includes a description of the focus of your planned independent research and publications during the fellowship, what sort of resources would you need to do that work, and an explanation of how the research builds on and goes beyond work you have already done.
One sample of your writing, preferably a pre- or post-print of a first-authored publication.
Questions about these positions can be sent to View email address on click.appcast.io you do not have an account with Interfolio, you will be prompted to create a free account prior to applying for the position.
The UT Austin iSchool is a premier research and education program for the 21st century field of information, where we are changing the future by engaging the present and preserving the past. Research and teaching at the iSchool changes the ways that we interact with information and technology, changes how information can make the world a better and fairer place for everyone, and changes the ways we protect and preserve our collective memory.
The UT Austin iSchool is a founding member of the international iSchools organization ( and has a long history of interdisciplinary scholarship and research focused on the human, social, cultural, and technical aspects of information. We are a stand-alone school with strong connections across the university and with other institutions nationally and internationally; we are particularly interested in applicants who will further strengthen and extend our collaborative network. We offer an ALA-accredited Master of Science in Information Studies as well as degrees at the undergraduate and PhD levels. Our Master of Science degree in Information Security and Privacy is offered jointly with the UT Center for Identity. UT Austin has an internationally distinguished faculty making it one of the world’s leading research universities. UT Austin embraces interdisciplinary research and is home to more the 200 dedicated research units, centers, and research grand challenges, including Good Systems: Community and Belonging
The University of Texas at Austin School of Information is dedicated to enhancing the iSchool’s community in ways that welcomes all students, staff, faculty, and community members. The University of Texas obtained the Seal of Excelencia for Commitment to Latino Student Success in 2020 and has earned a 7-time Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. The core values of the iSchool include Information Serves Humanity, A People-First Perspective, Technology for Social Good, and An Interdisciplinary Approach.

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