Platypus, the CASTAC Blog, is seeking a new Editor and several new Contributing Editors for our team in 2019! The blog is a weekly, collaborative publication of the Committee on the Anthropology of Science, Technology, and Computing at the American Anthropological Association.
- The Editor is responsible for setting the intellectual agenda of Platypus; writing and soliciting occasional posts; managing our Thematic Series; final editorial approval of all posts; coordinating with the CASTAC co-chairs on promoting events and announcing prizes; and selecting, coordinating, and supporting the work of our Contributing Editors, who are in turn responsible for generating the majority of Platypus content. This is a two year renewable term.
- Contributing Editors are responsible for curating 4-5 posts from scholars and researchers in the field each year, and frequently also contribute to the blog themselves. Their responsibilities include communication with guest authors, initial editorial supervision, and managing the production process. This is a one-year renewable term. Topical area is open, although we are especially eager for applications from contributors with interests in media studies, digital worlds, data science, computing ethics, philosophy of science, materials science, robotics, or engineering.
These roles are both great opportunities for getting involved in CASTAC. No previous CASTAC affiliation or experience with Platypus is required for either position. Scholars at any stage of their career are invited to apply, although the workload of the Editor position makes it somewhat better suited for folks who have completed their doctoral work.
To apply for either of these positions, please send a CV and a brief (100-250 word) cover letter to editor@castac.org. Ongoing review of applications will begin on FRIDAY DECEMBER 15, 2018. For the Editor position, please focus on your editorial experience and any large structural plans you may have for the blog; for the Contributing Editor positions, please focus on your background and outlining the broad themes of the posts you plan on soliciting and curating.
About the Blog
Platypus, the CASTAC Blog was founded in 2012 by Jennifer Cool, Patricia Lange, and Jordan Kraemer, and currently has about 2,500 unique readers monthly. Platypus aims to promote dialogue on theories, tools, and social interactions that explore questions at the intersection of anthropology and science and technology studies. We publish essays, reports, and reflections by researchers and scholars working at the intersection of anthropology, science and technology studies, and design. Through the blog, we seek to build a thriving discourse among a community of scholars concerned about the implications of science and technology for human beings and other forms of life. Our approach is interdisciplinary and inclusive. We encourage both regular and occasional contributions from students, faculty, and researchers within and beyond academia.
Please circulate widely!
