The Center for the Dynamics of Social Complexity (DySoC) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship to begin 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, for an initial appointment of one year with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and funding. The selected fellow will pursue an independent research project that explores how artificial intelligence (AI) interacts with at least one of DySoC’s three core research themes: Cultural Evolution, Social Complexity of Science, and Computational Social Science.
This position is intended for early-career scholars whose work addresses social complexity and societal change through the lens of one or more of DySoC’s core domains. For the AY2025–26 cycle, we especially encourage proposals that explore how artificial intelligence—such as Large Language Models (LLMs) or Large Reasoning Models (LRMs)—is transforming processes of cultural, scientific, cognitive or societal evolution. A range of analytical approaches and scales is welcome, from controlled social psychological experiments to the analysis of large, dynamic datasets. As this is a rapidly evolving field, we are particularly interested in creative and executable research proposals.
Example areas of interest include (but are not limited to):
The fellowship offers an opportunity to engage in high-impact interdisciplinary research, contribute to grant-writing initiatives, and collaborate with an international network of DySoC researchers and partners.
The fellow will be supported through mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and professional development resources. Primary responsibilities include:
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Work Location
Compensation and Benefits
Application Instructions
For best consideration, applicants should submit the following materials by August 01, 2025:
About The Center
The Center for the Dynamics of Social Complexity (DySoC) is a research center in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). DySoC brings together an interdisciplinary community of scholars working on the dynamics of human behavior, culture, and knowledge. Its three core research themes are computational social science, cultural evolution, and the social complexity of science. Computational social science at DySoC focuses on using data-driven and simulation-based approaches to uncover patterns in complex, large-scale human behavior. Research on cultural evolution explores how human cognition, social systems, and culture co-evolve, including the impact of new technologies and media. Work on the social complexity of science investigates how innovation and knowledge production are shaped by social networks, institutional structures, and cultural norms—especially in an era of rapid technological change and increasing concerns about misinformation.
DySoC offers a collaborative research environment supported by advanced computational infrastructure, interdisciplinary partnerships, and strong ties to national labs, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Fellows benefit from a vibrant intellectual community and access to campus-wide resources for computational modeling, data science, and interdisciplinary research through the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute and the AI Tennessee Initiative.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
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