The Tow Center for Digital Journalism at the Columbia Journalism School is seeking an Associate Research Scholar to contribute to various research projects at the intersection of technology and journalism, with a focus on local news. This scholar will contribute to white papers, scholarly research, tools, and events/workshops. This appointment is for nine months, and may be renewable up to two years depending on both performance and funding.
This Associate Research Scholar will lead Tow’s inquiry into the problems facing local journalism, a complex set of issues with deep implications for civic engagement and baseline trust in the press. Additional facets of research will include business models, effectiveness of capacity building efforts, and ethical use of technology i.e. automation.
The requirements for the position are: A deep and demonstrable knowledge of the research field with their own published works, strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, and a thorough understanding of the role technology plays in the transformation of journalism. Qualifications for a successful candidate would ideally be a researcher with relevant experience in publishing or project management.
The successful candidate will be comfortable with the pressure of delivering work on tight deadlines and evolving priorities in a professional manner. They must have excellent judgment and be able to work in a fast paced environment. The Associate Research Scholar will report to the Research Director and work in close consultation with the Director of the Tow Center on research outputs, including:
– Assist in the development of and refining of research topics; use rigorous and appropriate research methods, implement timely and high quality research
– Identify and cultivate relationships with relevant research partners
– Supporting conversations with representatives from companies, research networks, etc. about the project and its findings
– Producing briefing memos and presentations materials on research
– Presenting new ideas for research topics and methods
– Monitoring and amplifying the impact of the research program; helping to identify opportunities and gaps to raise the profile of the project and the Center as a whole
– Ensuring the project is meeting deliverable’s in a timely manner; additional tasks as needed
– Any other duties needed to support the research process
Depending on funding and performance this position may be renewable for up to two additional years or part thereof.
More information on this position and information about applying can be found HERE.
