Research Director - Penn Center for Media, Technology, and Democracy

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Research Director - Penn Center for Media, Technology, and Democracy

Job Profile Title

Director C, Research

Job Description Summary

The Penn Center on Media, Technology, and Democracy (Penn MEDIATED) works to advance the scientific understanding of the information ecosystem and leverage that research to strengthen the foundations of democracy.

Penn MEDIATED seeks a Research Director to develop data pipelines, visualization dashboards, analytical tools, and data-driven analyses based on Penn faculty research (see https://infodem.upenn.edu/research-compendium/). The Research Director will start by selecting impactful research and methods developed by Penn MEDIATED faculty, working with Penn MEDIATED leadership. They will then work with a small team to deploy and scale this research into continuously operating tools, analytical systems, and visualizations. The goal of these tools is to more broadly inform the public, journalists, civil society, policymakers, and industry on the state of, and challenges to, the U.S. information ecosystem, thereby expanding the reach and impact of Penn MEDIATED’s affiliated faculty research.

An ideal candidate will be an experienced data scientist with some background in computational social science research. Further, the candidate should have some background or interest in media, journalism, or the broader information ecosystem; as well as experience translating research into public impact. They will be able to understand computational research of the information ecosystem and recognize the value of that research for promoting democracy. Computational social scientists, data scientists or analysts, and data journalists may all be competitive applicants if they have drive and vision for advancing Penn MEDIATED’s mission.

The Research Director will work closely with and report to the Executive Director. The Research Director may supervise a data team, including a data engineer, data journalist, and student data analysts.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Working with Center leadership to identify projects, the Research Director will then apply data science and computational social science skills to develop data infrastructure, analytical tools, dashboards, and visualizations that expand the reach and impact of Penn MEDIATED research of the information ecosystem and its impact on democracy.

• Supervise and mentor a small data team (1-2 employees) and part-time student data engineers or research analysts.

• Inform and assist with the Center’s ongoing programmatic functions such as annual grant-making, the affiliated scholars program, and the research seminar.

• Work with the Executive Director and faculty co-Directors to steer the strategic direction of Penn MEDIATED.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study and at least seven years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• OR PhD in a relevant field of study with at least three years of relevant experience.

• Ability to conceptualize and execute on projects to translate research into continuously operating tools and analyses that lead to public impact.

• Excellent data science skills and data analytical skills, including developing statistical analyses and deploying machine learning models for continuous analytics tools and dashboards.

• Strong data engineering skills, especially developing data pipelines from one-time data collections used for research projects.

• Ability to understand, analyze, and clearly communicate computational social science results for broader audiences.

• Experience in using computational social science methods, and especially as used to study the information ecosystem (preferred).

• Experience in data visualizations and data-driven storytelling (preferred).

• Expertise and background in media studies or journalism, or otherwise a deep understanding of the information ecosystem, preferably in the United States, as well as demonstrated commitment to promoting democracy (preferred).

• Experience working in academic institutions, or related environments such as think tanks or research institutions (preferred).

Notes and disclaimers:

• This position is dependent on external grant funding.

• This position requires routine in-person attendance at the University of Pennsylvania (3 days per week).

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Pay Range

$95,136.00 - $125,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay