The Yale State Capacity and Economic Dynamism Center at Yale?s Institution for Social and Political Studies invites applications for a post-doctoral associate position for AY 2026-27.

The post-doctoral associate will be expected to teach one undergraduate course during the year, pursue their own research on topics related to state capacity, regulatory reform, economic growth, or institutional design, and assist in organizing an annual conference and ongoing speakers series. The post-doctoral associate is expected to be in residence during the academic year and to present their research during the annual conference or speakers series. This is a one-year position, with the possibility to renew for a second year depending on funding and performance.

The Yale State Capacity and Economic Dynamism Center, led by Professors Joshua Kalla, Zachary Liscow, and David Schleicher, is an interdisciplinary research group committed to exploring evidence-based approaches to tackle the economic and political challenges that America faces. The Lab brings together scholars from across the social sciences and law to study how institutions can be designed and reformed to work more effectively for citizens. Our research examines the political processes that shape policy outcomes and investigates how regulatory barriers, procedural obstacles, and institutional design choices shaped by politics and public opinion constrain the capacity to build the housing, infrastructure, and investments that communities need. We examine how policy reforms can reduce costs, expand opportunity, and promote innovation. Through rigorous empirical analysis and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the Lab aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policy implementation, fostering dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across the political spectrum who share a commitment to effective, evidence-based governance.

To apply, send a cover letter, CV, research statement, one writing sample, and a draft of a syllabus of an undergraduate course you propose to teach at Yale on topics related to this position. Please also provide two letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf.

About Yale University

Yale University is an American private Ivy League research university located in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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