[Hiring] Post-Doctoral Fellow, AI-Enabled Scams as a Systemic Security Challenge @Data & Society Research Institute

Role Description

Data & Society is seeking a post-doctoral research fellow for our AI-Enabled Scams as a Systemic Security Challenge project, housed under our AI & Democracy initiative and led by Director of Research Dr. Alice Marwick. This position will report to the Director of Research, Alice Marwick, and will not have people manager responsibilities. This position is fully remote and will begin in September 2026 with an end date of May 31, 2028.

The overall AI Scams project looks at how artificial intelligence is supercharging scams, frauds, and hoaxes. This specific project examines young people’s (Gen A/Z) susceptibility to scams, and how trust, legitimacy, and risk are constructed in online interactions. We are particularly interested in youth financial cultures, such as:

• Cryptocurrency
• Multi-level marketing schemes
• Sports betting
• Influencers
• Prediction markets
• Retail arbitrage
• Memestocks
• Drop-shipping
• “Hustle and grind” culture

The post-doctoral fellow will be working on a qualitative research project with two components:

• Conducting interviews and focus groups with:
  • Individuals who have encountered or been harmed by AI-enabled scams
  • Youth involved in risky financial subcultures
• Qualitative discourse and/or content analysis of scam materials, workflows, and use of generative tools.

The end goal of this project is to translate our findings into bipartisan policy and governance recommendations, and to bring together consumer protection and cybersecurity perspectives on scams.

Qualifications

• PhD in any number of disciplines, with a strong background conducting empirical, qualitative research
• Interest in questions related to youth, finance, risk, and emerging technology
• Experience recruiting and working with populations for qualitative interview studies
• Experience with discourse or content analysis (ideally)
• Self-motivated and ambitious, with a collaborative spirit
• Strong desire to understand how technology and power shape society
• Able to write for multiple audiences

Requirements

• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills supported by a strong empirical foundation
• Ability to independently conduct high-level qualitative research, including interviews, focus groups, content/discourse analysis, and other research methods
• Experience with study recruitment
• Expertise/interest in financial cultures, scams, generative AI, youth studies, economic sociology, or other relevant topics
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment
• Collaborative and generous intellectual partner
• A strong history of work demonstrating a desire to understand how technology and power shape our sociotechnical society
• Ability to translate research for non-academic audiences
• A deep commitment to social change and the practical applications of research
• Must be able to travel for conferences, workshops, or team meetings during the appointment

Benefits

• Salary range: $68,000 to $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Access to a range of opt-in products and services including additional insurance and 401k management
• Paid time off and paid federal holidays

To Apply

Please submit the following items by July 15, 2026:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in this role and the research topic
• An academic CV
• The names, affiliations, and contact information for three (3) references
• A 2-page research statement describing your research accomplishments and future trajectory
• Two writing samples: one for an academic audience and one for a broad audience

Applications will be reviewed beginning July 16, 2026. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] with any questions.

Practical Considerations

Data & Society has committed to safety requirements to protect our staff from the COVID-19 pandemic. We require that prospective employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before joining our organization.

This is currently a full-time, remote position in the AI & Democracy program with an expected start date in September 2026 and an end date of May 31, 2028. You must be living and authorized to work in the United States; we are unable to sponsor visas.