Postdoctoral Research Impact Fellow

The Translating Research into Action Center (TRAC) and the Research on International Policy Implementation Lab (RIPIL) at American University (AU) invite applications for a full-time, one-year Postdoctoral Research Impact Fellow, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. We are looking for postdoctoral fellowship applicants who have completed their doctoral degree in political science, international relations, sociology, economics, public health, education policy, or a related discipline. We especially encourage applications from individuals from sectors of the population historically underrepresented on the professorial faculties of U.S. colleges and universities. The position will ideally begin on September 15, 2024, though the start date is negotiable.

We welcome applicants who possess a deep interest in understanding how and when research and evidence can have a positive societal impact. In particular, applicants should be interested in understanding the pathways through which evidence may influence domestic and international policies and practices. Professional skills supporting success in this role include strong project management skills, strong networking skills, experience working across multiple disciplines, experience designing training curricula, strong primary data collection skills, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills. Candidates should be enthusiastic about working in a team committed to improving the impact of scholarship on today’s most challenging policy problems.

TRAC is funded by a grant from the US National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program. This project aims to foster greater use of evidence in the public and private sectors by producing new knowledge on best practices in research translation, training scholars in the effective conduct of research translation, supporting the dissemination of research findings that have the potential to benefit society, building institutional capacity at American University for promoting research translation, and cultivating a culture of research translation at American University and other institutions of higher education.

Remote work is possible. The postdoctoral fellow will work directly with Provost Associate Professor and Director of RIPIL, Susanna Campbell. Tasks will focus on supporting the development of a research repository on translational research; supporting convening and networking among other NSF grantees, universities, foundations, and research institutes; and conducting descriptive and inferential research on practices and methods of research translation.

Applicants should hold a PhD or the highest equivalent degree in a relevant discipline by the start date. Annual salary: $70,000 including benefits. Review of applications will begin on August 19, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications should be submitted through Workday and should include the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Sample publication(s)
• Brief research statement including research agenda
• Brief diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement
• **Please do not submit references when submitting your application. You may be contacted later in the review process to submit references.**

Queries about the search may be sent to Christina Harris, Program Manager, RIPIL (ch3629a@american.edu). Queries about the online application system may be sent to SIS faculty affairs manager Alissa Iwaniuk (aiwaniuk@american.edu).

American University is a private institution of higher education in the nation's capital (Please visit www.american.edu for more information). American University's School of International Service (SIS) is a top-ten school of international affairs with 3,000 students, 120+ full-time faculty and more than 20,000 alumni worldwide. SIS faculty produce transformational research and our prime location provides opportunities for collaboration with professionals in government, the private sector, and think tanks and other non-profits. Learn more about SIS at www.american.edu/sis.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.

American University is a tobacco and smoke free campus.

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.