Postdoctoral Researcher; Political Science and Public Administration

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States

Updated: about 12 hours ago
Location: Charlotte, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: PartTime
Deadline: 31 Jul 2024

Position Information
General Information


Position Number POST40
Working Title Postdoctoral Researcher; Political Science and Public Administration
Division Academic Affairs
Department Col Liberal Arts & Science (Col)
Work Unit Political Science & Public Administration
Work Location Fretwell Building
Vacancy Open To All Candidates
Position Designation Post Doc
Employment Type Temporary - Part-time
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Varied based on research needs
Pay Rate $63,000
Minimum Experience/Education
The Postdoctoral appointee must have recently (within the last eight years) been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., Sc.D., M.D.)
Departmental Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:
Ph.D. in Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related Computational or Social Science discipline.
Strong training and skills in quantitative data analysis in R is required.
Preference is given to applicants with demonstrated skills in one or more of the following areas: data management, survey methodology, multilevel regression, causal inference, machine learning, cross-national research.
Preference is also given to applicants with research interests in one or more of the following areas related to the project: conflict and cooperation, political economy, political psychology, state capacity, social preferences, migration.
Duties and Responsibilities
We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position with strong data analysis and management skills to work on a multi-year project on “Collective Shocks and Social Preferences” led by Professors James Walsh and Alexander Kustov and hosted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
The project examines how people’s social preferences, such as altruism and trust, are affected by negative collective shocks such as wars, natural disasters, or economic disruptions. Some studies find that these shocks make people more prosocial, but others find that they reduce cooperation. Since most of this research focuses on just one region or outcome, it is hard to know whether the results are generalizable. To address this question, the project aims to create a comprehensive cross-national time-series dataset on various shocks and preferences at the subnational level.
The postdoctoral position is a full-time research-focused role to lead the construction of the dataset for the project. The role includes:
  • Leading the data collection and management efforts needed to construct the original dataset, including cross-national surveys on social preferences and administrative data on collective shocks.
  • Conducting and publishing high-quality research in close collaboration and under the guidance of project leaders.
  • Dedicating time to personal research as part of the position (approximately 40%).
  • Participating in the broader intellectual life of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, and the interdisciplinary Public Policy and Data Science programs.


Postdoc appointments are characterized by all of the following conditions:
* the appointee was recently (within the last eight years) awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., Sc.D., M.D.);
* the appointment is temporary;
* the appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship;
* the appointment is viewed as preparatory for a full-time academic and/or research career;
* the appointee works under the supervision of a faculty member; and
* the appointee has the freedom and is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of appointment.
As an EOE/AA employer and an ADVANCE Institution that strives to create an academic climate in which the dignity of all individuals is respected and maintained, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte encourages applications from all underrepresented groups.
Other Work/Responsibilities
Necessary Licenses or Certifications
Proposed Hire Date 09/01/2023
Expected Length of Assignment 12 Months 08/31/2024
Posting Open Date 07/25/2023
Posting Close Date 07/31/2024
Special Notes to Applicants
Screening of applicants will begin on August 15, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. The position is renewable based on performance.
Please upload the following documents with your electronic submission:
1) curriculum vitae (this should include contact information for two references);
2) cover letter (this should describe your motivation, relevant research interests and qualifications); 3) short writing sample (this should include an original piece of research most relevant to the position).
The candidate chosen for this position will be required to provide an official transcript of their highest earned degree. The candidate chosen for this position will be subject to a criminal background check.

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