Post-Doctoral Fellow, AI-Enabled Scams as a Systemic Security Challenge

<p><strong>Organizational Summary</strong></p>
<p>Data & Society is an independent nonprofit research organization studying the social implications of data-centric technologies and automation. We recognize that the same innovative technologies that may benefit society can also be abused to invade privacy, provide new tools of discrimination, foreclose opportunity, and harm individuals and communities. Through original research and inclusive engagement, we work to ensure that empirical evidence and respect for human dignity guide how technology is developed and governed.</p>
<p><strong>About The Role</strong></p>
<p>Data & Society is seeking a post-doctoral research fellow<strong> </strong> for our AI-Enabled Scams as a Systemic Security Challenge project, housed under our AI & Democracy initiative and led by Director of Research Dr. Alice Marwick. This body of work examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping democratic practice, knowledge production, security, and trust.</p>
<p>This position will report to the Director of Research, Alice Marwick, and will not have people manager responsibilities. <strong>This position is fully remote and will begin in September 2026 with an end date of May 31, 2028. </strong></p>
<p>Overall, the AI Scams project looks at how artificial intelligence is supercharging scams, frauds, and hoaxes. We have published a primer and a policy report examining the scope and scale of AI-enabled scams and policy responses. This specific project examines young people’s (Gen A/Z) susceptibility to scams, and how trust, legitimacy, and risk are constructed in online interactions. We are particularly interested in youth financial cultures, such as cryptocurrency, multi-level marketing schemes, sports betting, influencers, prediction markets, retail arbitrage, memestocks, drop-shipping, “hustle and grind” culture, etc. and how it changes youth understanding of financial opportunity and risk. </p>
<p>The post-doctoral fellow will be working on a qualitative research project with two components. First, alongside the PI, they will be conducting interviews and focus groups with a) individuals who have encountered or been harmed by AI-enabled scams and b) youth involved in risky financial subcultures;  and second, qualitative discourse and/or content analysis of scam materials, workflows, and use of generative tools. </p>
<p>The team also includes a policy analyst, so experience with tech policy is desired, although not necessary. The end goal of this project is to translate our findings into bipartisan policy and governance recommendations, and to bring together consumer protection and cybersecurity perspectives on scams. </p>
<p>This study is best supported by a researcher with training in communication, media studies, information studi