The Department of Communication at the University of Illinois at Chicago invites applications for a Bridge to Faculty Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in AI and Minority Representation. The position focuses on the ways artificial intelligence engages in and impacts minority representation, conceived broadly. Areas of interest include algorithmic bias and oppression; AI and data justice; black box design; minority histories and cultures of computing, and other counters to deficit approaches; generative AI and bias; platform design; Virtual, Augmented and Extended reality interfaces; robotics, wearable technologies and interfaces of the future; and DEI practices. The candidate will have earned a doctorate in Communication or a related field, will demonstrate strong promise of scholarly achievement and teaching success, show good prospects for external research funding, and will demonstrate commitment to multidisciplinary scholarship. UIC is a Carnegie Research Extensive University (Research I), is the largest institution of higher education in the Chicago area, is in the top 50 U.S. universities in federal research funding, and is among the top 200 universities in the world. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation, and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI), and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant, and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago. Recently ranked in the top 50 worldwide, the Department of Communication at UIC focuses on New Media and offers a BA, M.A., and Ph.D. with an emphasis on: social media + social networks mass media + journalism studies gaming + game studies mobile media policy + platform politics human augmentics political communication + cultural studies intercultural communication health communication science + technology studies social computational sciences Located in the heart of Chicago, we collaborate with the UIC Electronic Visualization Laboratory, the pre-eminent virtual reality and high-speed networking research site. The Department is the birthplace and current home of New Media and Society, the leading journal in the field, and the only department to host three leading journals: Mobile Media and Communication and the open access and free journal, Social Media & Society in addition to NMS. Purpose: The Bridge to Faculty Scholars program seeks to advance diversity on the permanent faculty level by encouraging the recruitment, retention, and promotion of outstanding scholars from different backgrounds, with an emphasis on attracting individuals from groups who have been historically underrepresented in our discipline. Bridge to Faculty is designed to recruit scholars with the goal of transitioning them to faculty members after two years. After the first year, and subject to satisfactory performance and University approval, this position may be re-appointed for a second year. Successful postdoctoral associates may have the opportunity to transition to tenure-track faculty starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. Scholars will participate in a mentoring experience within the department, with the opportunity to meet other Scholars through cohort-based events and workshops organized by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Engagement. The Bridge to the Faculty Scholars Program is funded by the Chancellor’s Office and administered through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Engagement. The desired appointment date for the position is August 16, 2024, subject to budgetary approval. Candidates must be less than five (5) years post receipt of Ph.D. The desired start date for the position is August 16, 2024, pending budget approval in order to hold a postdoctoral research associate appointment at the time of appointment. Electronic applications accepted only. Interested parties should complete the online application and submit a letter of interest, a full curriculum vitae, samples of relevant scholarly publications, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and names of and contact information for three references at: https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/7650?c=uic For fullest consideration, applications should be submitted by January 12, 2024. The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, see the HR website.