Job Description

The University of Washington Information School invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position with the Data Services for Indigenous Scholarship and Sovereignty (DSISS) initiative. DSISS is supporting responsible stewardship of Indigenous research data in libraries and repositories. The DSISS team of information science researchers, Indigenous scholars, and data repository professionals works collaboratively to develop guidance for application of the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance in practice.

Launched in 2021 with funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, DSISS began a new phase of translational work in 2025 to advance practical and technical solutions for integrating CARE into professional practice and infrastructure, with a focus on enriched metadata and documentation, controls for sensitive data, and building trust between institutions and Indigenous communities. The post-doctoral scholar will join the team in developing a collaborative curation approach that centers Indigenous research methods and data sovereignty and a repository testbed grounded in the values and priorities of scholars of Indigenous culture and language and Indigenous communities. They will also contribute to a new line of inquiry exploring how CARE can be applied to enhance stewardship of established Indigenous digital collections in libraries and archives.

The position is a 12-month appointment with a start date no later than January 15, 2027. The post-doctoral scholar will be affiliated with the Center for Advances in Libraries, Museums, and Archives (CALMA) at the UW Information School. We seek applicants who bring a research agenda aligned with DSISS and are interested in pursuing their own line of research in tandem with collaborative DSISS research and engagement.

Postdoctoral Scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

Salary and Benefits

The University of Washington offers a competitive benefits package. For information about employee benefits please visit https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/.

Salary range:

The base salary of $6,500 – $7,625 per month ($78,000 – $91,500 per 12-month academic year), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Qualifications

• PhD awarded by the start date in a relevant field, such as library and information science, information studies, Indigenous studies, science and technology studies, or related disciplines
• Strong qualitative research skills
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and engaged research environment with diverse team members and partners
• Excellent communication skills
• Understanding of Indigenous data sovereignty
• Understanding of professional data stewardship in libraries, archives, and/or repositories

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with case study and content analysis methods
• Experience working or engaging with Indigenous communities
• Experience in research data services, data curation, data archiving
• Scholarly publication record commensurate with PhD field norms
• Academic or professional background in one or more related areas, including data ethics, Indigenous research methods, Indigenous data sovereignty, metadata for research data, research cyberinfrastructure
• The ability and willingness to work on site at UW Seattle as needed is strongly preferred. A partially remote work arrangement may be possible.

Application Instructions

Application Materials

• Current curriculum vitae
• A brief research statement outlining your research achievements and goals
• Two writing samples that demonstrate current scholarship and expertise
• Contact information for three references

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested candidates can contact Carole Palmer (clpalmer@uw.edu) or Sandy Littletree (sandy505@uw.edu) with questions.

You can read more about DSISS at https://sites.uw.edu/dsissresearch/.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

Benefits Information

The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.

Privacy Notice

Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW’s Privacy Policy.

Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.