Aydelotte Foundation Technology and Social Justice Postdoctoral Fellow at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

Aydelotte Foundation Technology and Social Justice Postdoctoral Fellow
Location: Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Open Date: Apr 5, 2025
DescriptionThe Aydelotte Foundation at Swarthmore College invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral teaching position beginning fall semester of 2025. We seek a critical technology studies scholar in the humanities or social sciences to teach one course each semester and to work with Aydelotte Foundation staff in convening and programming the 2025-2026 faculty/staff interdisciplinary research seminar, Just Tech: Accessible, Sustainable Futures and related Foundation activities. The successful candidate will also be affiliated with the Department of Film and Media Studies, or another academic unit connected to their background. The candidate will be mentored by Aydelotte Foundation Faculty Director and Senior Associate Director and will be granted ample time and resources to focus on their scholarly work. We are interested in a range of approaches and issues in digital media and technology studies that combine cultural, computational and design methods, such as AI and algorithmic accountability, critical and creative data studies, infrastructure studies, generative aesthetics, and platform cooperatives.


"Just Tech: Accessible, Sustainable Futures" is an Aydelotte Foundation faculty/staff seminar. The seminar meets regularly throughout the academic year and is composed of approximately 6 faculty and staff from the College, who undergo a competitive selection process. The seminar will be launched in collaboration with an external fellow and led in Spring 2026 by Timothy Burke, Professor of History. Seminar meetings involve the discussion of readings decided upon by seminar participants, presentation of and feedback on works-in-progress, and the organization of events and other programming at the College related to the annual theme. The topic for 2025-26 asks, how are nonprofits, grassroots organizations, artists, and activists coding, designing, and advocating for transparency, accessibility, and creativity in technology? Seminar participants will both analyze the existing political economy of tech and explore and imagine alternatives.



The Aydelotte Foundation is an interdisciplinary research center and intellectual community located at Swarthmore College. It supports the creation and dissemination of knowledge about liberal arts education as it exists across the broadest possible range of contexts and institutions.


Swarthmore is a highly selective liberal arts college located just 11 miles outside of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. The College offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation package.Swarthmore has a strong commitment to inclusive excellence through diversity in its educational program and employment practices. Information for Faculty Candidates.

 

Qualifications

Candidates should have their PhD in Media Studies, Science and Technology Studies or a related discipline by August 2025. The strongest candidates will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to creative teaching and an active research program that speaks to and motivates undergraduates from diverse backgrounds

Application InstructionsApplicants should submit a brief cover letter addressing their research interests, teaching experience, and commitment to diversity; a curriculum vitae; and names of three recommenders, at least one of whom can speak to your teaching, with contact information. Recommendation letters and writing samples will be requested for candidates selected for first-round interviews. Apply at: apply.interfolio.com/165877



Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact Professor Patricia White, Aydelotte Foundation Director: pwhite1@swarthmore.edu.



Full consideration will be given to all applications received by April 15, 2025; review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Apply Now