Postdoctoral Fellowship in Surveillance & Security

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Surveillance and Security: “Exploring U.S. Department of Homeland Security Fusion Centers.”

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

Vanderbilt University is seeking a postdoctoral-level scholar for a research project on the social, legal, and technical dimensions of DHS “fusion centers.” This project will document and evaluate the information-sharing practices of fusion centers, with a focus on variations in data sharing across fusion centers. The primary researchers on this project are Torin Monahan (Vanderbilt University) and Priscilla Regan (George Mason University). This will be a one-year position beginning on July 1, 2011 (contingent upon renewal of funding and university approval).

Applicants should have familiarity with the field of surveillance studies and possess a Ph.D. in a relevant social science field (e.g., sociology, science and technology studies, criminology, anthropology, communication, political science, or law and society). Applicants must have advanced methodological expertise in interviewing and participant observation, excellent writing skills, and motivation to take initiative to ensure the success of the project. The ideal applicant will have demonstrated experience in related research and a record of publishing research results. The postdoctoral fellow will take the lead on collecting and analyzing data, writing articles and reports, and presenting findings at conferences. Periodic out-of-state travel will be required for data collection.

The beginning salary for this full-time position will be $39,360 (plus health benefits).

The fellow will be expected to be in residence in Nashville, Tennessee, for the duration of the position and be an active colleague at Vanderbilt University.

Applicants should submit a CV, a letter describing suitability for the fellowship, one writing sample, and the contact information for three references to: Prof. Torin Monahan, Dept. of Human & Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University, Peabody #90, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203-5721, USA. The application deadline is May 15, 2011, however the position will remain open until filled. Applicants from traditionally under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information, please contact: torin.monahan@vanderbilt.edu

This fellowship is made possible through a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (SES-0957283). The research will contribute to an international research project called “The New Transparency,” which is facilitating multi-national and cross-cultural comparisons of the global security industry.