Jodi Schneider’s Information Quality Lab (http://infoqualitylab.org) seeks a graduate hourly student for a research project on bias in citation networks. Biased citation benefits authors in the short-term by bolstering grants and papers, making them more easily accepted. However, it can have severe negative consequences for scientific inquiry. Our goal is to find quantitative measures of network structure that can indicate the existence of citation bias.
This job starts January 4, 2021. Pay depending on experience (Master’s students start at $18/hour). Optionally, the student can also take a graduate independent study course (generally 1-2 credits IS 589 or INFO 597). Apply on Handshake
Responsibilities will include:
- Assist in the development of algorithms to simulate an unbiased network
- Carry out statistical significance tests for candidate network structure measures
- Attend weekly meetings
- Assist with manuscript and grant preparation
Required Skills
- Proficiency in Python or R
- Demonstrated ability to systematically approach a simulation or modeling problem
- Statistical knowledge, such as developed in a course on mathematical statistics and probability (e.g. STAT400 Statistics and Probability I https://courses.illinois.edu/schedule/2021/spring/STAT/400 )
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of stochastic processes
- Experience with simulation
- Knowledge of random variate generation and selection of input probability distribution
- Knowledge of network analysis
- May have taken classes such as STAT433 Stochastic Processes (https://courses.illinois.edu/schedule/2021/spring/STAT/433) or IE410 Advanced Topics in Stochastic Processes & Applications (https://courses.illinois.edu/schedule/2020/fall/IE/410)
MORE INFORMATION:
https://ischool.illinois.edu/people/jodi-schneider
http://infoqualitylab.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday December 14th.
Apply on Handshake with the following APPLICATION MATERIALS:
- Resume
- Transcript – Such as free University of Illinois academic history from Banner self-service (https://apps.uillinois.edu, click “Registration & Records”, “Student Records and Transcripts”, “View Academic History”, choose “Web Academic History”)
- Cover letter: Just provide short answers to the following two questions:
1) Why are you interested in this particular project?
2) What past experience do you have that is related to this project?