Two-year postdoctoral position beginning in September 2020 in privacy research. The first year will be on a project studying privacy implications of communications metadata usage. Such metadata has become easier to collect and analyze; with such collection, the use of metadata includes the ability to determine whether a Twitter account is a bot and what language is being spoken in an encrypted VoIP call. Metadata usage can be highly privacy invasive—more so, in some instances than the use of content. Yet there are also many examples of where metadata usage provides non-privacy invasive information (e.g., through using a locality’s calling patterns to determine the dominant religion). One aspect of this work involves examining the legal and policy implications of these different categorizations. The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy seeks a postdoctoral or JD candidate with a background in privacy law to examine such implications. An aspect of this fellowship is improving cross-disciplinary background and skills in privacy policy. Thus, it is expected that the postdoc appointee will spend some effort gaining technical background to understand technical aspects of privacy. The second year of the postdoc is TBD, but may involve work on GDPR or privacy of IoT in smart homes.

The postdoc will be housed at the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, which offers a rich array of talks and discussions that will enrich the fellowship year. Tufts University is initiating a masters program in cybersecurity and public policy combining the efforts of the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy and the School of Engineering, Department of Computer Science beginning in Fall 2020, and there will be a number of associated talks and other activities. It is expected that the postdoc will participate in these, which include a student paper symposium in March 2021. The Tufts School of Engineering Department of Computer Science offers courses in security and in cybersecurity policy, and this will provide additional interesting opportunities for the postdoctoral scholar. In addition, the Boston area offers a rich array of talks and scholars in cybersecurity, policy, and related areas.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a JD or PhD in privacy or privacy-related field on or after September 1, 2015.
• Evidence of background or strong interest in tech-related privacy.
• Evidence of strong writing skills, including clear and concise communications to a non-specialist audience.
• Delight in working in and expanding research within a cross-disciplinary setting.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Application materials include: a cover letter explaining your background and interest in the area, CV, a writing sample (if available); preferred sample is a communication to a non-technical audience, a list of three recommenders (names and contact information), a description of research interests, and graduate school transcript (if PhD is within the last three years). These materials should be submitted to fletcherpostdoc@tufts.edu.

An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire, promotion, or transfer.

Equal Opportunity Employer – minority/females/veterans/disability/sexual orientation/gender identity.