What are the responsibilities and job description for the Post Doctoral Fellowship Digital Inclusion and Governance position at William & Mary?
Position Information
Position Number
F0B01W
Position Title
Post Doctoral Fellowship Digital Inclusion and Governance
Unit Mission Statement
The Global Research Institute (GRI) empowers teams of William & Mary students and faculty to make a difference in the world. We are a multidisciplinary hub that applies scholarly research to real world problems, investing in outstanding student and faculty scholars to catalyze new insights and cultivate the next generation of global leaders. Based in the Office of the Provost, GRI supports a whole of university approach to advance W&M by developing ideas, convening partners, creating and analyzing data, and inventing new methods. The Institute’s approach to incubate and scale and applied research helps researchers push research frontiers and produce insights that matter at W&M and beyond.
Position Summary
The Global Research Institute (GRI) at William & Mary invites applications for a one-year postdoctoral scholar position with a focus on digital technology, development economics, comparative political economy, and/or international development. This position is designed to enhance GRI’s research capacity in these areas, increase the diversity of our scholarly community, provide a mentored learning experience to the postdoctoral fellow, and offer research opportunities for undergraduate students. The Institute seeks to attract outstanding researchers and educators from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, and other underrepresented populations whose life experiences and scholarship will contribute meaningfully to the academic mission of William & Mary and GRI.
The postdoctoral scholar will work with the Digital Inclusion & Governance Lab (www.diglabresearch.org), an international research lab housed within GRI that uses randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other rigorous methods to identify the impact of digital technologies on economic development, society, and governance. DIGLab collaborates with partners to design, test, and scale innovative solutions that enhance digital inclusion and maximize technology’s societal benefits, with a particular emphasis on digital financial services, instant payment systems, smartphone ownership, generative AI, and digital tools for resilience to climate change. DIGLab partners include the Gates Foundation, Open Philanthropy, New America’s Public Interest Technology-University Network, Innovations for Poverty Action, Institute of Public Opinion Research (IPOR) in Malawi, BRAC Institute of Governance and Development, and Viamo.
The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with Lab researchers to design and implement cutting-edge international development research on digital inclusion, technology adoption, and economic empowerment. The Fellow will also have the opportunity to propose new avenues of research, contribute to publications and presentations, and mentor a team of motivated undergraduate researchers.
In addition to their research responsibilities, the postdoctoral scholar will teach one course during the fellowship year and participate in GRI’s professional development series, which provides guidance on:
- Pursuing funded research opportunities
- Organizing and managing undergraduate research labs
- Navigating the academic publishing process
- Making research accessible to policymakers and practitioners
- Enhancing teaching effectiveness in the classroom
Fellows will receive a salary of $60,000, shared office space at GRI, library access, and other benefits including comprehensive health insurance. The position also comes with over $15,000 in funds to conduct research and hire undergraduate student researchers.
To apply please submit your resume/curriculum vitae, cover letter, and a minimum of three references in the “Other Documents” field in the Applicant Documents Tab. You will be prompted to submit online the names and email addresses of three references who will be contacted by the system with instructions for how to submit a letter of reference. For full consideration, submit application materials by the review date.
Required Qualifications
- Have a PhD by the time the appointment begins (summer 2025) in economics, political science, data science, computer science, or another relevant field;
- Have a strong interest in building and pursuing a research agenda in digital technology, development economics, comparative political economy, and/or international development;
- Have methods expertise in field experiments, network effects, machine learning, or data analytics to contribute to ongoing research projects;
- Have advanced quantitative methods training and ability to work with one or more of the following software programs (e.g., R, Stata, Python, GIS);
- Have strong organizational and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with survey design and impact evaluations in emerging economies;
- Experience working collaboratively on complex research projects with partner organizations;
- Track record of publications in peer-reviewed outlets and/or preparation and presentation of conference papers;
- Experience writing and securing external grants;
- Experience teaching or mentoring undergraduate students;
- Willingness to travel abroad to manage research projects;
- Ability to translate research findings into policy insights and communicate them effectively to academic, policymaker, and public audiences.
Conditions of Employment
Department
3KM100 Global Research Institute
Location
William & Mary
Job Open Date
03/21/2025
Review Begin Date
04/21/2025
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Employment Category
Faculty
Special Application Instructions
Background Check Statement
William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Benefits Summary Statement
William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none
Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none
Salary : $60,000
