Simons Institute Law and Society Fellowship | Call for applications

The Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing is the world's leading venue for collaborative research in theoretical computer science and related fields. The Institute is housed in Calvin Lab, a dedicated building on the UC Berkeley campus, and provides a vibrant and welcoming environment for visiting researchers. In each academic semester, the activities of the Institute are largely focused on research programs on specific topics in the field, each of which attracts around sixty long-term participants (senior researchers, postdocs and graduate students).

The Law and Society Fellowships enhance Institute programs that address technologies with profound impacts on human society and with implications for ethics, law, and policy, by supporting a researcher within each who is focused on addressing the broader societal implications of the techniques and technologies addressed within these programs. 

Law and Society Fellows are expected to participate in the Institute's programs and engage with visiting scientists. Additional contributions typically include: an initial talk on the fellow’s work, for visiting researchers at the Simons Institute; and a white paper on recommendations and findings. Fellows may also be invited to collaborate with the Institute’s film production team on an episode of Theory Shorts, a documentary web series about the topics covered in the Institute’s research programs.

The Law and Society Fellow will hold a shared office in Calvin Lab and have University library access and other standard campus privileges. The position comes with a stipend to cover living expenses. 

Junior and senior researchers are welcome to apply. Early-career applicants (postdocs, senior graduate students, and assistant professors) will carry the title of Law and Society Fellow. Senior researchers will carry the title of Senior Law and Society Fellow.

Applications are now closed for the Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 semester programs of the Simons Institute special year on Large Language Models and Transformers.