POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

New York University Tandon School of Engineering

The Center for Urban Science and Progress (CUSP) at NYU Tandon School of Engineering is seeking to hire a Post Doctoral Associate to work with Dr. Yuki Miura and Dr. Stefaan Verhulst.

New York University (NYU) is one of the top private universities in the United States, and the Tandon School of Engineering, located in Brooklyn, NY, is deeply committed to excellence in teaching and learning. Tandon fosters student and faculty innovation and entrepreneurship that make a difference in the world.

NYU CUSP invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary team focused on Data Management and Governance for Smart Cities, with a special emphasis on legal frameworks, privacy protections, and stakeholder engagement in smart city development.

The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of data policy, urban systems, and international development.

Expectations

Candidates will be responsible for analyzing regional and global data governance frameworks and conducting a gap analysis comparing Vietnam’s Personal Data Protection Law with international best practices. The role involves coordination with government agencies and international policy experts to identify regulatory priorities and requirements, developing risk assessments around privacy, cybersecurity, and data sovereignty, and drafting policy briefs, risk reports, and data governance plans tailored to the Nha Be context. The position also entails leading pilot tests of governance frameworks in two high-impact smart city use cases, designing and delivering training programs and literacy materials for municipal officials, and collaborating closely with faculty and external partners through visits and workshops in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated background in policy interpretation, legal analysis, and data governance as exemplified by a strong publication record. Previous experience on risk assessment, cross-cultural collaboration, and project leadership in multi-stakeholder or international policy settings is desired. 

Salary range

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary for this position is $65,000 depending on the candidate’s experience and qualification.

Candidates must have a PhD in public policy, law, data governance, or a related field or a related field. We welcome applicants with recent PhDs and individuals seeking additional postdoctoral training. Candidates will be required to present eligibility to work in the United States. 

Applicants should submit, as one pdf, the following information:

• an up-to-date CV that includes a complete list of publications,

• a research statement that describes their interest and goals and how their research relates to this position,

• copies of up to three relevant scientific papers,

• names and contact information for three references.

All application materials should be submitted electronically via Interfolio and to: ym1565@nyu.edu and sv39@nyu.edu. 

Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and will continue until the position is filled.  Expected start date is: January 2026.

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NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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