Postdoctoral Associate - Political Design for Effective Government - 2026-2027

Description

Professors Alan Gerber, Gregory Huber, and Josh Kalla at the Yale Institution for Social and Policy Studies (ISPS) seek postdoctoral research associates for a one-year, full-time appointment beginning July 1, 2026. Projects will be funded by the Democratic Innovations Program’s new Political Design for Effective Government Project.

Research projects will likely include, but are not limited to, field experiments using informational interventions to improve government performance, measurement of bureaucratic and officeholder quality and careers, designing politically viable general interest policy proposals, elite surveys, and developing political economy models of government performance.

Job responsibilities will be tailored to the strengths of the successful applicants and will likely include assisting with research projects involving researchers at multiple institutions, data collection and management, and data analysis.

Qualifications

Technical skills such as computer programming, database management, or a math background are highly desirable. Excellent organizational skills, experience using computer databases and statistical software, and coursework in statistical methods are essential. Project management experience is a plus. PhD or equivalent degree at time of hire is required. Salary is negotiable.

Application Instructions

Application materials include a cover letter, current C.V., copy of graduate transcripts, 2 letters of recommendation, and one writing sample.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Additionally, in accordance with this Policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions; race; color; national or ethnic origin; religion; age; disability; protected veteran status, or other protected classes as set forth in federal and Connecticut law.

Professional Conduct Review for New Faculty Hires

The final candidate, upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment/faculty appointment, may be required to disclose whether they are, or have been, the subject of any disciplinary proceeding (investigation, hearing, etc.) at previous institutions or employers, and may also be subject to a background screening. Candidates who materially misrepresent information on their resume or other application materials are ineligible for hire/appointment. Final candidates may also be required to sign a release to allow Yale to solicit information regarding any substantiated conduct violations from current and/or past employers.