CS&E Postdoc

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Generous time off

Tuition benefits

Professional development

Job summary

The University of Minnesota's GroupLens Lab is seeking a full-time postdoctoral scholar to advance research on social media use and artificial intelligence. You will work with Dr. Stevie Chancellor (primary supervisor) and Dr.

Kathryn Cullen on an NIMH-funded project developing a mobile app to assess and intervene in adolescent depression. You will lead the research and development of the mobile app and collaborate with the team to conduct a small-scale experimental pilot, while pursuing

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Information Science, or related field.
• Strong background in Human Computer Interaction, applied AI, and HCI systems development.

Responsibilities

• 40% Research in social media, algorithm design, and interventions to support well-being.
• 40% Leading the system development and implementation of the mobile app.
• 20% Dissemination via articles, conference presentations, and lab collaborations; mentorship of lab graduate and undergraduate students.

Skills

Human Computer Interaction

Applied AI

HCI systems development

Education

PhD in Computer Science or Information Science

Job description

About the Lab and Position

The department is seeking a full-time postdoctoral scholar to work in a laboratory conducting research on social media use and artificial intelligence. The postdoc will work with Dr. Stevie Chancellor (primary supervisor) and Dr. Kathryn Cullen on an NIMH grant-funded project. This project focuses on developing a mobile application that can assess and intervene in problematic social media use for adolescents with depression. You will lead the research and development of a mobile app and then collaborate with the team to conduct a small-scale experimental pilot of the study. The postdoc will be housed inside the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, in the GroupLens lab and collaborate with the research team.

The postdoc will also conduct independent research in collaboration with Dr. Chancellor's research interest in social media, well-being, and AI systems.

Duties/Responsibilities

• 40% Research in social media, algorithm design, and interventions to support well-being
• 40% Leading the system development and implementation of the mobile app
• 20% Dissemination via articles, conference presentations, and lab collaborations; mentorship of lab graduate and undergraduate students

Requirements

• A PhD in Computer Science, Information Science, or a related field
• Must have a strong background in Human Computer Interaction, applied AI, and HCI systems development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior publications in top-tier peer-reviewed areas directly and indirectly related to HCI, social media, AI safety, and well-being
• Preference will be given to applicants with strong experience in research related to mental health and well-being, and with experience working with human participants in their prior research.
• Preference will be given to applicants with experience in social media data analysis, app development, and/or experience with user studies and experiments.
• Communication and management skills grounded in prior experience with interdisciplinary collaborative research, ideally involving medical professionals and engineers.

About the Department

The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Minnesota has been on the cutting-edge for its education, research and outreach for decades. The legacy continues as the Department continues to grow and expand its curriculum, research and outreach.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $29.92 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment:100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

Location: Twin Cities