Postdoctoral Researcher

Description

The Kellogg Institute for International Studies, part of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Democracy for academic years 2025-27 as part of its commitment to the University’s Democracy Initiative. Individuals selected for the postdoctoral position will have the option of renewing their appointment for a second year, conditional on satisfactory performance. 

The individual selected for this position will devote approximately 50% of their time to working with Scott Mainwaring, Eugene and Helen Conley Professor of Political Science, and 50% of his/her time to independent research. The work with Professor Mainwaring will revolve around the third wave of democratization in Latin America and globally. The expectation is that the individual will coauthor one or two articles and possibly a book on this topic with Professor Mainwaring and Fernando Bizzarro (Boston College).

A successful postdoctoral candidate will have a Ph.D. in Political Science or Sociology by the start of the 2025-26 academic year. Expertise on Latin America and excellent quantitative and qualitative skills are essential, as the candidate is expected to contribute to both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Strong knowledge of the literature on political regimes is desirable, but scholars who have expertise on a wide range of subjects related to democracy could be outstanding candidates even if they have not worked directly on political regimes. The candidate must have reading proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese.  

The successful candidate will have dedicated office space and a $5,000 per year research allowance. They will be expected to attend and present at Kellogg Tuesday and Work-In-Progress seminars. Reasonable moving expenses will be covered.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, dissertation abstract, a writing sample, and three letters of recommendation, along with filling out the short application form. Review of applications will begin on February 3, 2025. Candidates are expected to join Notre Dame in August 2025. This position is located in South Bend, Indiana, and the successful candidate is expected to be in residence for the duration of the appointment.

Qualifications

A successful postdoctoral candidate will have a Ph.D. in Political Science or Sociology before starting the position.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a cover letter that includes a description of your current research, a curriculum vitae, a writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and fill out the short application form.

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration.  The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace.  We strongly encourage applications from female and minority candidates and those candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.  Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors to employ and advance veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).

Background Check 

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.  Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges.  Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment.  Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position.  Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate.  The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.