IRiSS Predoctoral Research Fellowship

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 23 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

Department/Program Description: Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS). Expanding access to novel data sources, the development of powerful computing tools, and innovation in quantitative and qualitative research methods are opening a new frontier for social scientists to explore bold, inventive research questions.  In this era of burgeoning social-science research, the Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) facilitates first-rate interdisciplinary collaborations, trains the next generation of scholars, and incubates medium- to long-term research projects to address critical social challenges. IRiSS ensures that world-class, evidence-based research is produced to meet evolving problems in areas of governance and democracy, economic inequality, immigration policy, and other social issues that affect communities across the globe.

IRiSS Predoctoral Research Fellowship: The Predoctoral Research Fellowship Program at the Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) aims to expand research capacity in the social sciences, and strengthen the pool of scholars, while providing opportunities through mentorship of new research scholars. Fellows will work under the supervision of a faculty member, contributing to research initiatives at any stage of the research process, including, for example, conducting literature reviews, contributing to survey, experiment, or fieldwork design, collecting and analyzing research data, drafting research reports, or presenting research results. 

The IRiSS Predoctoral Research Fellowship Program provides early-career scholars an opportunity to work directly with a faculty mentor to contribute to cutting-edge social science research. During your fellowship, you will develop research skills, explore academic research careers, and network with a multidisciplinary community of scholars. The goal of the program is to enhance your capacity to succeed in careers in academia and social science research. Successful outcomes for fellows include continuing on to competitive graduate programs in the social sciences or impactful careers involving social science skills.

IRiSS offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for scholars from diverse backgrounds.

Position Summary: The Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) is seeking Predoctoral Research Fellows to participate in our inaugural 2023-2024 cohort. The Predoctoral Research Fellows will work under general supervision of individual faculty in one of the following social science departments: communication, political science, psychology, or sociology.  Please see the “How to Apply” section below, for the faculty names and project descriptions.

This is an 100% FTE 1-year fixed-term non-exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply – please review the application instructions below. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences. Applications must be submitted by February 29, 2024.

CORE DUTIES:

• Assist with research projects in one of these fields: communication, political science, psychology, or sociology, under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Specific projects will vary, with descriptions available to applicants on the program webpage.
• Predoctoral fellows may assist at any stage of the research cycle, including conducting literature reviews, developing experiments or models, designing & implementing studies, cleaning, coding, and analyzing data, and/or preparing results for presentation or publication. Depending on the research project, Predoctoral Fellows may work with qualitative or quantitative data.
• Plan and perform research tasks requiring initiative and judgment by applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory when precedents do not provide specific guidance. General instruction provided by the supervisor as needed. May interpret study results in collaboration with supervisor or PI.
• Participate in the development and administration of survey instruments and rating scales requiring judgment in applying non-routine procedures. Analyze and summarize results for review with supervisor. Audit the accuracy and validity of data.
• Ensure compliance with research protocols.
• Identify, select, extract and summarize data and structured information. Present summary of findings to supervisor.
• Conduct literature searches, and write literature summaries and manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines conceptual approach.
• Build and organize data as requested by principal investigator or supervisor; use common statistical programs requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing data.
• Adapt new, nonstandard methods outlined by supervisor in designing and evaluating phases of research projects, (i.e., educational materials, questionnaires, strategies for recruitment, data quality control procedures and processes). May follow up with Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure renewals are approved and completed, seeking guidance where necessary.
• Assist with development, communication and design of research findings to internal and external audiences, which may include web updates, social media, and/or white papers, for use in recruitment, educational, or awareness of programs, with guidance from supervisor.

*Other duties may also be assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science. Degree must be received or expected no later than June, 2024.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• General understanding of scientific theory and methods, typically gained through completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• The ability to work independently and as a member of a research team
• The ability to take initiative and see projects through to completion
• Interest in and enthusiasm for pursuing graduate studies or a career in social science research

Please see the program webpage for any additional eligibility requirements for each research project.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

HOW TO APPLY:

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. Applications must be submitted by February 29, 2024.

To be considered, along with the online application, you must:

The expected pay for this position is $29.33 per hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at [email protected]. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.