[Air-L] The Social Media Collective at Microsoft Research New England is hiring a Research Assistant

[Nancy Baym]

Microsoft Research (MSR) is looking for a Research Assistant for its Social Media Collective in the New England lab, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Social Media Collective consists of Nancy Baym, Mary Gray, Jessa Lingel, and Kevin Driscoll in Cambridge, and Kate Crawford and danah boyd in New York City, as well as faculty visitors and Ph.D. interns. The RA will be working directly with Nancy Baym, Kate Crawford and Mary Gray.

An appropriate candidate will be a self-starter who is passionate and knowledgeable about the social and cultural implications of technology. Strong skills in writing, organisation and academic research are essential, as are time-management and multi-tasking. Minimal qualifications are a BA or equivalent degree in a humanities or social science discipline and some qualitative research training.

Job responsibilities will include:
- Sourcing and curating relevant literature and research materials
- Producing literature reviews and/or annotated bibliographies
- Coding ethnographic and interview data
- Editing manuscripts
- Working with academic journals on themed sections
- Assisting with research project and event organization

The RA will also get to collaborate on ongoing research and, while publication is not a guarantee, the RA will be encouraged to co-author papers while at MSR. The RAship will require 40 hours per week on site in Cambridge, MA, and remote collaboration with the researchers in the New York City lab. It is a 1-year only contractor position, paid hourly with flexible daytime hours. The start date will ideally be in late June, although flexibility is possible for the right candidate.

This position is ideal for junior scholars who will be applying to PhD programs in Communication, Media Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Studies, and related fields and want to develop and hone their research skills before entering a graduate program. Current New England-based MA/PhD students are welcome to apply provided they can commit to 40 hours of on-site work per week.

To apply, please send an email to Nancy Baym (baym at microsoft.com) with the subject "RA Application" and include the following attachments:

- One-page (single-spaced) personal statement, including a description of research experience, interests, and professional goals
- CV or resume
- Writing sample (preferably a literature review or a scholarly-styled article)
- Links to online presence (e.g., blog, homepage, Twitter, journalistic endeavors, etc.)
- The names and emails of two recommenders

We will begin reviewing applications on May 12 and will continue to do so until we find an appropriate candidate.