The Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher to work with the Media Ecosystem Observatory in digital policy related to the issues of misinformation, social media, and information ecosystem studies.
MEO has been delivering large-scale information ecosystem research projects in Canada since 2019. It combines large-scale online data analysis with survey research to study how information flows impact citizen’s attitudes and behaviours, and assesses these phenomena on the overall strength of Canadian democracy. Recognizing the distinct challenges posed by misinformation, foreign interference, rising polarization, and growing institutional distrust, our approach is tailored to addressing the diverse research and policy needs of Canada.
The postdoc will work in collaboration with the engineering and analyst team to collect and analyze data and produce academic and public-facing reports on the Canadian and international information environments.
We are looking for a candidate who is able to drive a research agenda focused on misinformation, media, communications, and politics. We encourage those with the following characteristics and competences to apply:
demonstrated track record of producing cutting-edge research for publication;
medium to advanced R and Python skills;
working knowledge of data visualization;
comfort working with cloud-based computing;
a PhD in computer science, political science, communications, or other related discipline.
This position is based in Montreal and french-language ability an asset. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and LGBTT2SQ* persons, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.
If interested, please submit questions or a CV, a statement of interest, and information on (2) references to Aengus Bridgman:
by August 1, 2023. Competitive salary offered in alignment with experience and capability of the successful candidate.
