Mimi Ito has just posted about a really interesting ethnographic post-doc position for her digital kids project.

Kids’ Informal Learning with Digital Media
An Ethnographic Investigation of Innovative Knowledge Cultures
Job Opening: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Annenberg Center for Communication, University of Southern California

The Annenberg Center for Communication at the University of Southern California invites applications for a postdoctoral research position, sponsored by a grant from the MacArthur Foundation. The position is for one year with the possibility of renewal for one more year. The postdoctoral researcher will work as fieldworker/ethnographer on a project on “digital kids” and informal learning, which involves foundational research on how children and youth are using information and communication technologies and participating on the Internet. At USC, the project is led by Mizuko Ito, and is part of a broader project involving Peter Lyman and Diane Harley at UC Berkeley, and Michael Carter at the Monterey Institute of Technology and Education. More information on the project can be found at: http://digitalyouth.sims.berkeley.edu.

Responsibilities would involve monitoring and participating in online activity and conducting interviews with kids and parents The researcher would also be responsible for analyzing, writing, and presenting results, and considering policy and design implications of the ethnographic research. We seek candidates with backgrounds in fields such as science and technology studies, information sciences, communications, education, anthropology, and sociology with interest in areas related to new media, education, and childhood studies. The ideal candidate would have experience in ethnographic fieldwork, collaborative and interdisciplinary research, and experience working with kids and families. The position will be full time, with a yearly salary of $45,000 plus benefits, and researcher will be expected to be in residence in the Los Angeles area.

Applications should include a CV, a cover letter including a personal statement, and a brief statement of research goals and experience in relation to ethnographic research on kids and technology. Three letters of recommendation are to be sent directly by the writers (letters may also be faxed to 213-747-4981). Address all application materials to Rachel Cody, Annenberg Center for Communication, University of Southern California, 734 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007. Email contact: rcody at annenberg dot edu. The deadline for receipt in our office is April 30, 2006.

Thesis Relevance: Not specifically although I am interested in ethnography regarding mobile technologies and location-based applications.

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