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Data Science Fellows Program

Provides PhD students with an opportunity to enhance their skills in a collaborative setting.

  • Group photo of Drew Margolin, Remy Stewart, Kimberly Williamson, Jonathan Chang, and Christian Sprague

We are excited to announce that CCSS is hiring two Data Science Fellows for the 2025-26 academic year! This program is designed to provide PhD students with an opportunity to enhance their skills in a collaborative setting in partnership with CCSS. Fellows receive tuition, stipend and health care and come from across the social sciences. Application details and position descriptions are below. The application deadline is March 10. 

All Data Science Fellows work closely with the Data Science Faculty Lead, Drew Margolin.

To receive email announcements, including application reminders, affiliate with CCSS.

Fellowships Roles

 

Role 1: Workshop Instructor

Position Overview

The Cornell Center for Social Sciences (CCSS) seeks a PhD student as a Data Science Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year to lead quantitative themed workshops and provide individual consultations to Cornell researchers. The ideal candidate will have expertise in at least 2 of the following statistical programming languages: R, Stata, Python, or Matlab. Researchers familiar with Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data cleaning, data manipulation, data visualizations and big data processing topics are encouraged to apply.

CCSS data science fellows are expected to teach at least 5 workshops per semester, and are expected to offer workshops in the following categories or similar related topics:

Introduction to Machine Learning in Python, Supervised Learning in Python, Unsupervised Learning in Python, Web Scraping in R and Python, Extracting Online Data Through APIs in Python, Geospatial Analysis Mapping Census Data in R, Publication Ready Tables in R or Stata, Parallel processing using R, Stata, Matlab.

 

Key Responsibilities

The fellow will focus on the areas described below:

  • Design and conduct intermediate to advanced programming workshops in Python, R, and Stata that fit within CCSS’ vision.
  • Provide one-on-one consultations to support active Cornell researchers with data. analysis, data manipulation, data visualization, coding challenges in Matlab, Python, R and Stata.
  • Develop instructional materials, including slide decks, coding examples, and hands-on exercises.

Required Qualifications

  • Current PhD student at Cornell in the social sciences.
  • Proficiency in at least 2 of the 4 statistical software applications: Python, R, Matlab or Stata with practical experience in data cleaning, manipulation, and visualization.
  • Excellent communication and teaching skills with the ability to explain complex topics clearly.
  • Previous teaching or tutoring experience is preferred but not required.
  • Demonstrated commitment to interpretive research integrity.

Candidates that make the final round will present a 15-20 minute sample workshop.  Candidates will be asked to affiliate with CCSS if they have not already. 

Apply

Role 2: AI tools and Qualitative Research Fellow

Position Overview

The Qualitative and Interpretive Research Institute (QuIRI) at Cornell's Center for Social Sciences (CCSS) seeks a PhD student as a Data Science Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year to advance the thoughtful integration of AI tools into qualitative research. Our approach emphasizes methodological integrity over technological sophistication, aiming to support rather than automate qualitative research processes. The fellow will work closely with Dr. Jenny Goldstein, QuIRI Director, to help researchers maintain interpretive authority while leveraging AI capabilities, facilitate critical discussions about appropriate AI integration, and document emerging best practices.

Key Responsibilities

The fellow will focus on 2-3 main activities based on their interests/expertise, CCSS priorities, and community needs. Activities will be decided upon appointment and mutually agreed on. Potential areas include:

  • Evaluate and document appropriate AI tools for supporting qualitative research workflows
  • Develop guidelines for maintaining methodological integrity while using AI tools
  • Create frameworks for assessing new AI tools, with focus on ethics, data privacy, bias, and researcher agency
  • Develop guides for ethical AI integration across qualitative research stages
  • Organize seminars and workshops connecting qualitative researchers with AI/ML experts
  • Develop frameworks for ensuring quality and interpretive integrity in AI-assisted qualitative analysis

Required Qualifications

  • Current PhD student at Cornell in the social sciences
  • Strong understanding of qualitative research methodologies
  • Demonstrated commitment to interpretive research integrity
  • Experience with qualitative data analysis
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills
  • Requires thesis advisor’s approval to ensure this work fits with the student’s long term goals

Desired Qualifications

  • Familiarity with current AI tools and capabilities
  • Experience with qualitative research software
  • Interest in ethical implications of AI in research
  • Interest in pedagogical development
  • Experience facilitating workshops or training sessions

Students should write an approximately 500 word proposal describing the role and activities they will undertake as a DSF and how these activities will further their PhD education and professional development. The proposal must be approved by the thesis advisor. Candidates will be asked to affiliate with CCSS if they have not already.

Apply

 

Did your research benefit from a Cornell Center for Social Sciences Data Science Fellowship?

Please acknowledge CCSS with the following language when publicizing or presenting your research results: “This research was supported by a Cornell Center for Social Sciences Data Science Fellowship.” 

 

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