Post Doctoral Research Associate - Economics

Apply now Job no:522136
Work type:Post Doc (Amherst Only)
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Economics
Union: Post Doc
Categories:Postdoctoral Research Associate, Faculty, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst , the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description

The Department of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate; this position offers an exciting opportunity to pursue collaborative research on the political economy of essential sectors and a post-neoliberal economic stabilization paradigm. The postdoctoral research associate joins the PI, Isabella Weber, to develop a new understanding of systemically important sectors from a historical, economic and policy perspective and to lay out new approaches to inflation policy and economic disaster preparedness for an age of overlapping emergencies.  

Supported by an Open Society Foundation Ideas Workshop grant entitled “Essential,” the postdoctoral research associate is expected to collaborate on research with PI Isabella Weber, as well as to coordinate a team of graduate student research assistants. They will also develop an outreach strategy to discuss research questions and findings with key stakeholders and to translate research insights into policy, and will support the PI in communicating findings to broader public, academic and policy audiences. This two-year position is ideal for researchers with interest and experience in publicly engaged scholarship.  Individuals with diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including History, Political Economy, Economics, Sociology, Public Policy and related fields, are welcome to apply.

Essential Functions

• Prepare and participate in meetings with the PI and graduate research assistants. Help train and supervise graduate research assistants.
• Conduct primary research on selected sectors using mixed methods and possibly archival research.
• Conduct literature reviews on governance modes for systemically important sectors.
• Prepare expert interviews and group discussions.
• Develop and lead on an outreach strategy engaging stakeholders and the broader public.
• Present research at academic conferences and workshops.
• Work with the PI to build up infrastructure and protocols for collaborative research.

Minimum Qualifications

The candidate must:

• have completed PhD at the time of the appointment.
• have been academically active for no longer than 4 years post-PhD.

Preferred Qualifications

• methodological expertise and experience in qualitative research, mixed-methods, and archival research in history
• prior research experience in the history of macroeconomics and economic policy and/or specific systemically important sectors such as housing, food or energy
• Experience in policy design and public engagement is a plus.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment

Work Schedule

• Full time position 40 hours a week, Monday - Friday, with occasional weekend/evening conference meetings.

Additional Information

• The two-year position starts as soon as possible and no later than June 2024 (negotiable).
• The successful candidate is encouraged to relocate to Amherst; however, remote work arrangements will be considered.
• This is a research position. The postdoctoral research associate is not expected to carry out any teaching but may work with graduate and undergraduate student assistants.
• The postdoctoral research associate will be mentored by Isabella Weber.

Application Instructions

Candidates must submit the following materials:

• cover letter addressed to Dr. Isabella Weber, Department of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• CV
• one writing sample
• contact information for three (3) academic references

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. For inquiries about the post and the application process, contact Isabella Weber at [email protected].

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.