University of Central Florida – College of Engineering and Computer Science
Postdoctoral Fellow in Agent-Based Modeling of Information Spread and Evolution over Online Social Media
The College of Engineering and Computer Science has an immediate opening for a 2-year full-time, postdoctoral fellow position in the Complex Adaptive Systems laboratory of Dr. Ivan Garibay. The University of Central Florida provides an outstanding research environment and we are seeking highly motivated and independent postdoctoral fellows, with training and expertise in agent-based modeling, computational social science, social network analysis, and data analytics. This position will be part of the “Deep Agent” project team, provided the team secures DARPA funding for this project. This team will conduct research as part of the DARPA’s “Computational Simulation of Online Social Behavior” program, a network of DARPA-funded teams across the USA. The Deep Agent 4-year project seeks to create state-of-the-art agent-based models of human behavior, considering emotional, social and rational agent architectures with a particular focus on computational simulations of the spread and evolution of online information. These simulations will allow for a deeper, more quantitative understanding of our global online information environment, including better understanding of phenomena such as cascades, recurrence, gatekeepers, and persistent minorities. The Deep Agent team consists of interdisciplinary faculty from various US institutions, including the University of Central Florida, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Florida Institute of Technology, North Carolina State University, University of Chicago, and New York University.
Training and mentorship from senior faculty will be provided with multiple opportunities to co-author high-quality publications in an interdisciplinary research environment. Mentorship and training will be provided for grant writing as well, with multiple opportunities offered to serve as co-principal investigator on federal grant proposals. If desired, teaching opportunities could be also made available via the Master of Science in Data Analytics program directed by Dr. Garibay. Also, there will be collaborative projects with other experts in the area of deep learning and data analytics at the University of Central Florida and partner institutions.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be based on the DARPA stipend scale and is commensurate with skills and experience, starting at $70,000.00. The cost of living in the Orlando area is significantly lower than in other cities in the USA. In addition, Florida does not collect state income taxes. The University of Central Florida offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at Human Resources .
Minimum qualifications: A Ph.D. in computer science, statistics, computer engineering, complex adaptive systems, data science, or a closely related field. Candidates with strong knowledge and experience in development of large-scale, parallelized agent-based models of social systems, with strong software engineering skills, as well as excellent writing skills, as evidenced by multiple peer-reviewed publications, are preferred. Curiosity and passion for computer-driven problem solving and an ability to work both independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team are highly desirable.
Application: To apply for this position or to request more information on this opportunity please send your CV via email to [email protected]. Position preferred starting date is Fall 2019/ Spring 2020.