Postdoctoral Fellow, Computer Science
Location:New Orleans, LA
Open Date:Feb 6, 2025
Description:A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Computer Science at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. The overarching goal of this project is to transform the transparency, equity, and accountability of local criminal court systems by empowering community-driven, real-time, fine-grained analysis of the decision-making pipeline, from first appearance to sentencing. Building on deep community partnerships and cross-disciplinary expertise in law, criminology, social inequality, data science, and artificial intelligence, we will develop a human-centered socio-technical platform that integrates municipal databases, volunteer court observations, and public record requests into a real-time and rigorous monitoring and analysis toolkit. The resulting system will enable communities to make informed, data-driven policy decisions around criminal justice, safety, and equity.
The successful applicant will work with Prof. Aron Culotta and Prof. Nicholas Mattei and be a part of the Tulane Center of Excellence for Community Engaged AI. Funding for this position comes from the Tulane Murphy Institute for Public Policy Research. The applicant is expected to join the lab and work on research involving the theory and practice of artificial intelligence, using tools including algorithm design, game theory, machine learning, data science, natural language processing and explore the impact of these technologies on society. Applicants should be motivated to both join existing projects as well as propose new opportunities and directions. The successful applicant will work with Profs. Culotta and Mattei as well as graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.
The successful candidate will develop new machine learning models, supervise and collaborate with graduate and undergraduate research assistants, collaborate with fellow scholars, and disseminate their work through publications and presentations in top tier venues including those in AI, society, and related areas. In addition, the candidate will conduct community outreach and project coordination within the greater New Orleans community including our non-profit community partners. The position is initially for one year with an option for extension, subject to availability of funding. The start date for this position is ideally between May and August of 2025.
Review for this position will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. There is a stipend to assist with relocation expenses as well as travel to conferences while employed.
Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in computer science, computer engineering or a related area.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and/or data science. Specifically, with experience in one or more of design and analysis of algorithms, agent-based systems, data analytics, computational social choice, game theory, algorithmic economics, fairness and transparency in algorithms.
- Excellent written communication skills demonstrated by prior publications.
- Creative experience in asking and answering important research questions by leading on prior research activities.
- A track record that demonstrates the ability to work well in both CS only and interdisciplinary teams,
- Programming experience in Python, Deep Learning (e.g., PyTorch), scikit-learn, and other Python based libraries.
Application Instructions:Candidates must apply via Interfolio and provide the following:
- CV
- Cover Letter
- Confidential Letters of Recommendation (3)
Position will close in December 2025, or when the position is filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:Please Note: Tulane University has officially adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. All employees and visiting faculty must be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccination or obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption prior to beginning employment.
Tulane University is located in New Orleans - a city with tremendous history of diverse cultures, community, and languages. Tulane is actively building a campus culture grounded in our values of EDI and anti-racism. We seek and welcome candidate applications from historically underrepresented groups, such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), women, LGBTQ , those living with disabilities, and veterans.
Tulane University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution committed to excellence through diversity and creating a community and culture that fosters a sense of belonging for all. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO and will not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, or any other status or classification protected by federal, state, or local law. It is important to us to intentionally seek candidates who are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in support of Tulane’s Strategy for Tomorrow and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
