The A. Alfred Taubman Center for American Politics & Policy at the Watson School of International and Public Affairs at Brown University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position beginning July 1, 2026.

Participants in this program will join an interdisciplinary community of scholars engaged in theoretically and substantively important research addressing key challenges in politics and public policy. The Taubman Center brings together scholars, practitioners, and students from diverse perspectives to address pressing political and policy problems through rigorous research and public engagement. As one of several research centers within the Watson School,  the Taubman Center benefits from a multidisciplinary environment that encourages collaboration across fields and methods.

Postdoctoral Research Associates are expected to maintain an active research agenda, contribute to the intellectual life of the Taubman Center and the Watson School, and participate in seminars, workshops, and School and Center-sponsored events. They will teach one course per year, to be determined in consultation with the Watson School. Postdoctoral Research Associates will also present their work in progress to an interdisciplinary group of Watson School post-doctoral fellows during their appointment.

This is a one-year, non-renewable appointment. 

The selection process is highly competitive; the Center anticipates selecting one scholar in this search. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. within three years of the application deadline or expect to complete all degree requirements by the position start date.

Postdoctoral Research Associates will receive a competitive salary for this benefits-eligible position. Additional funding may be available for research expenses and research-related programming.

For this position, Brown University offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who require immigration sponsorship to enter the United States and commence lawful employment.

This postdoctoral position offers early-career scholars the opportunity to pursue independent research while engaging with leading faculty affiliated with the Taubman Center and the Watson School. The position is open to candidates in political science, public policy, or related social science fields whose research focuses on American politics, with an emphasis on public opinion and political behavior. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong research potential, methodological rigor in survey research and other tools, and an interest in engaging with interdisciplinary scholarly communities and public-facing research.

Selected candidates who have not completed all requirements for their Ph.D. by the position start date will be appointed as a Research Associate at a reduced salary until all degree requirements are completed.

To receive full consideration, applicants should submit the following materials via Interfolio by February 13th, 2026:

• A cover letter summarizing the applicant?s research agenda, status, and expected completion date of the Ph.D. Applicants should state in their cover letter how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community.

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae

• Copies of graduate transcripts

• A writing sample

• Three confidential letters of recommendation from scholars familiar with the applicant?s research

Review of applications will begin on February 16th, 2026 will continue until the position is filled.

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person?s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

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Located in historic Providence, Rhode Island and founded in 1764, Brown University is the seventh-oldest college in the United States. Brown is an independent, coeducational Ivy League institution comprising undergraduate and graduate programs, plus the Alpert Medical School, School of Engineering, School of Public Health, Executive Master of Healthcare Leadership and the IE Brown Executive MBA.

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