Tag Archives: research

PhD Position (f/m/div) | Max Planck Institute

The Department of Criminology at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (Director: Professor Jean-Louis van Gelder) is seeking to recruit for a

PhD Position (f/m/div) Short-Term Mindsets and Crime: From Theory to Intervention

Your profile

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in experimental and interdisciplinary research on crime and decision-making. You will join our international and interdisciplinary team to advance this cutting-edge research program on the role of short-term mindsets in crime, exploring their causes and dynamics, as well as the potential for intervention.
The ideal candidate has a background in psychology, criminology, behavioral science, or a related field, and a keen interest in bridging theory and application. Experience with advanced research methods—such as experimental designs, longitudinal data, or ecological momentary assessment (EMA)—is an asset but not required.

The challenge

Why are some people more likely to commit crime than others? Criminology has long debated whether crime is best explained by stable traits (i.e., dispositional perspectives), such as low self-control, or by social and situational influences (i.e., sociogenic perspectives), such as peers or financial hardship. Despite identifying hundreds of correlates of criminal behavior, a crucial gap remains: it is unclear how these different influences interact in real time and why crime propensity fluctuates across situations.

A new way forward: Short-Term Mindsets Theory

The recently proposed Short-Term Mindsets Theory (STMT) (Van Gelder & Frankenhuis, 2025; Van Gelder et al., 2025) offers a new way forward by unifying the many fragmented predictors of crime. STMT proposes that these diverse influences are connected by an underlying mechanism: Short-term mindsets (STM). STM is defined as the degree to which individuals focus on immediate vs. long-term outcomes. Understanding how this short-term orientation emerges and fluctuates offers a powerful new framework for explaining and preventing crime than single traits or contexts alone. Crucially, it also opens up new avenues for prevention: if short-term orientations fluctuate and can be shifted, then even temporary interventions may reduce crime risk.
This PhD position is part of a broader research program at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law that investigates short-term mindsets as a dynamic mechanism of crime. You will contribute to advancing this agenda by designing and conducting innovative empirical studies on the causes, consequences, and potential malleability of short-term mindsets. There is scope to develop your own research ideas within this framework—for example, by focusing on situational triggers, decision-making processes, behavioral proxies, or interventions that target short-term orientations.
You will join an ambitious interdisciplinary team in Freiburg im Breisgau and collaborate with international researchers in criminology, psychology, and related fields. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of current crime research and build new approaches to prevention and intervention.

You have

  • a completed (or are close to completing) university degree (master’s or equivalent) in psychology (e.g., social, developmental), pedagogy, (empirical) criminology, behavioral economics, sociology, or a similar discipline;
  • a background in statistics;
  • experience with experimental research;
  • a strong interest in crime research and novel research methods;
  • a highly collaborative attitude (you value teamwork);
  • excellent written and spoken English language skills;
  • excellent social and communication skills.

Ideal candidates are committed to open science and transparent research practices. Speaking German is an asset but not a prerequisite for the position.

About us

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law (MPI-CSL) is a growing European center for research in criminology, public security matters, and criminal law. The Institute is part of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science – Germany’s flagship research organization.
The Department of Criminology at the MPI-CSL offers a highly interdisciplinary and dynamic research environment in which criminologists, psychologists, sociologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists work together to understand the causes and consequences of criminal behavior and to develop effective interventions for the prevention of crime and the facilitation of offender rehabilitation. The department pushes the boundaries of crime research through the application of innovative methods, developmental theories of crime, and real-world application. It currently hosts three researchers with prestigious individual European Research Council (ERC) grants.
The Institute, with its approximately 190 employees, is located in Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany), a dynamic university city with a 900-year history. The city is nestled within the trinational border region – Germany, Switzerland, and France – and impresses newcomers with its high quality of life and international flair. 

Our offer

Our Institute offers unrivaled research conditions, including access to top-notch laboratory facilities as well as access to exceptional specialist libraries and databases, well-equipped workspaces, and comprehensive administrative and academic support. Collaboration with other researchers and international partners at the Institute is a key element of our work. Additionally, there are many opportunities for researchers to design, convene, or participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences.
The position is available from the earliest possible starting date. The position is limited to four years and it is a fully funded research position with no teaching obligations. The position is full-time (currently 39 hours/week). Remuneration and social benefits are based on the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund), pay category 13, 65% (see https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tvoed/bund/). The salary includes all mandatory social insurance contributions for health care, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement. The work location is Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany). We are committed to ensuring a positive work-life balance and offer flexible work options as well as generous opportunities for personal and professional development, including free in-house German language courses. There are also a number of daycare spots at a nearby childcare facility.
The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer and supports diversity in the workplace. Applications are particularly welcome from persons with backgrounds that have so far been underrepresented in science and research with regard to gender, disability, nationality, age, professional and cultural background, family situation, and sexual orientation.

Your application and further information

To apply, please submit your application with the following documents:

  1. a motivation letter (max. one page, 10-pt Times New Roman), including an explanation of how your interests and profile match the project goals and selection criteria;
  2. name and email address of at least one scholar who has agreed to provide a reference for you;
  3. your CV, including a list of publications (if any, either as first author or co-author);
  4. a writing sample, e.g., your Master’s thesis, a seminar paper, a first-authored journal article, etc.;
  5. study certificates and transcripts of records.

Please submit your application via our online application portal. Click the ‘I would like to apply’ button at the lower left of the job ad.
The deadline for applications is 31 December 2025. Applicants will be informed in the week of 12 January 2026 whether they are invited for an interview. Online interviews with shortlisted candidates are currently planned for February 2026.
Questions may be directed to Prof. Dr. Dr. Jean-Louis van Gelder (j.vangelder@csl.mpg.de) or Dr. Annika Hampel, Recruitment Officer (a.hampel@csl.mpg.de).

For information about our institute, please visit our website at:
https://csl.mpg.de

Assistant/Associate Professor of Sociology – Criminology (Tenure Track)

Assistant/Associate Professor of Sociology – Criminology (Tenure Track)

Location
University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus
Deadline
Jan 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description
The Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences Department of Sociology at the University of Oklahoma seeks applicants for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor or an accelerated tenure track or tenured Associate Professor of Sociology with a starting date of August 16, 2026, teaching 2 courses per semester.

We encourage applications from all interested and qualified parties. Our mission statement and other information can be found at ou.edu/cas/soc. The successful candidate will teach Sociology, Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Race/Ethnicity courses to lower and upper division undergraduate students, as well as graduate courses, and may teach specialty courses in their areas of interest. We welcome scholars who complement our existing departmental strengths. We seek a scholar who will publish cutting-edge, innovative research in top-tier journals, who will inspire and mentor students, participate in service, and contribute to efforts to gain external grants. The successful candidate may also participate in the OU Sociology Inside-Out Program at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center, an Oklahoma women’s prison. The Department of Sociology is comprised of 22 full-time faculty, 37 full-time graduate students, and approximately 500 majors.

Qualifications
Required:

  • ABD or PhD in Sociology or related field
  • Experience teaching Sociology, Criminology, Criminal Justice, and/or Race/Ethnicity

Preferred (not required):

  • External grant funding

Application Instructions
Applicants should submit: 1) a cover letter describing their qualifications as well as their vision and plans for the position; 2) a complete curriculum vitae; 3) a writing sample; and 4) contact information for three confidential letters of recommendation.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on January 15, 2026. Position will remain open until filled. Inquiries should be directed to the search committee chair:

Dr. Meredith G. F. Worthen, Professor
The University of Oklahoma
mgfworthen@ou.edu

Assistant Professor in Criminology and Criminal Justice | Florida International University

Assistant Professor in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Job Opening ID: 535921
Location: Modesto A. Maidique Campus
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Review Date: 10/19/2025
Regular/Temporary: Regular

The Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, a full member of the Association of
Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), is seeking applicants for two tenure-track assistant
professor positions. The position will be housed in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
The start date is August 2026. A Ph.D. is required, although ABD candidates will also be considered.
Applicants must demonstrate effectiveness in both research and teaching, as well as show potential for
securing external funding. All specialization areas will be considered, and we encourage submissions from
applicants whose research engages with emerging technologies in criminal justice (e.g., artificial
intelligence, cybercrime, predictive policing) or focuses on crime, justice, and punishment in international
or transnational contexts (e.g., human trafficking, comparative policing, terrorism and counterterrorism,
transnational drug cartels). The responsibilities include engaging in research publications, writing grant
proposals, teaching a 2/2 load, and mentoring and supervising doctoral students. Salary is nationally
competitive and commensurate with experience. The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
currently has 17 full-time faculty members, enrolls about 2,000 majors, and offers Bachelor of Science
degrees in Crime Science and Criminal Justice, a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in International Crime and Justice.


Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to Job Opening ID 535921 at careers.fiu.edu and attach a
(1) letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) the names, titles, and email addresses of three
references. Individuals identified as references will be contacted directly by FIU. Candidates should upload
all application materials as individual attachments. Review of applications will begin on October 19th,
2025, and will continue until the positions are filled. If you have any questions, please contact Professor
Stephen Pires, Search Committee Chair, at sfpires@fiu.edu.

Assistant/Associate Professor of Criminal Justice | Empire State University

Assistant/Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

Category: Faculty
Department: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Locations: Various Locations, NY
Type: Full-time
Position ID: 192459

Job Description:
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at SUNY Empire seeks a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Criminal Justice in the Department of Social Science. We are seeking a candidate whose teaching, research, and service reflect a strong commitment to preparing students to address the complex challenges of justice today. The successful candidate will have expertise in criminal justice with preferred expertise in restorative justice, victimology, and/or critical perspectives within criminal justice. The selected incumbent will teach, develop curriculum, and mentor students in a growing undergraduate Criminal Justice program serving learners across New York State, the United States, and abroad.
Responsibilities Include:

  • Developing and teaching online courses in criminal justice.
  • Offering independent studies in the field of criminal justice.
  • Mentoring and advising students as they develop degree programs.
  • Participating in curriculum development and academic assessment.

Our faculty is committed to meeting the needs of adult learners and mentoring, motivating, and supporting our students through consistent advisement, engaging instruction, and continuous program improvement. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across the faculty role. We are particularly interested in applicants who can deliver high-quality teaching using evidence-based practices to engage students from various backgrounds and experiences effectively.
A highly distributed organization, SUNY Empire makes extensive use of technological applications for communication, teaching and learning, and administrative purposes. Working in cooperation with faculty and staff, the successful candidate will provide high-quality educational services to students, engage in an active scholarly agenda, participate in university governance, and enhance the university’s reputation within the community.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

  • An earned doctorate from a regionally accredited U.S. university or comparable non-U.S. university in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.
  • College or university level teaching experience.
  • Experience with supporting diverse populations.
  • Ability to work in a distributed faculty environment.
  • Ability to teach and develop courses.
  • An active scholarly agenda.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Expertise in restorative justice, victimology, and/or critical perspectives in Criminal Justice.
  • Experience with teaching and mentoring in online learning environments.
  • Experience with academic program development.
  • Bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English.

Special Information:

  • Occasional travel will be required to fulfill university-wide obligations, including biannual travel to Saratoga Springs, New York.
  • Office hours will vary in accordance with student needs. Periodic evening and weekend engagement will also be required.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • SUNY Empire provides employees with robust remote and flexible work options to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff in a dispersed work environment.

Additional Information:
Rank/Salary: Tenure-track, assistant/associate professor, salary range from $72,000 to $80,000, appointment and salary to commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Assistant Professor | Texas A&M International University

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Job Description
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), a member of the Texas A&M University System, welcomes applicants for an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice to begin Fall 2026

TAMIU is a Hispanic Serving Institution with over 8,000 students located in Laredo, Texas, a vibrant and bicultural city with a population of about 250,000. The university advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service, and with an intentional focus on student success and research excellence. For more information, please visit https://www.tamiu.edu/.

This is a 9-month tenure-track faculty position (with reduced course load and a start-up research package). Primary duties will include teaching undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral courses; conducting research; and mentoring students. A reduced load (2-2 for the first 2 years plus research funds and conference travel money) is provided to new hires to allow them to focus on conducting research and publishing in scholarly journals. Duties also include serving on departmental, college, university, and professional committees as well as mentoring students. This position requires face-to-face interactions through a regular schedule of attendance on campus and in the workplace. 

The Program in Criminal Justice is housed within the Department of Social Sciences, which is within the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.tamiu.edu/coas/dss/index.shtml.

Required Qualifications
The successful candidate must hold a PhD in Criminal Justice or a related field. Candidates who are ABD will also be considered but must have earned their degree before August 16, 2026. All specializations will be considered but preference will be given to those with expertise in cybersecurity, geospatial analysis, and/or qualitative research methods. We strongly encourage candidates with strong research skills, strong teaching skills, strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals or the potential to publish in top scholarly journals, and the potential for or prior experience with seeking and/or securing external grant funding.

We offer competitive salaries and a benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits, and life insurance. Additional pay is available for summer teaching. Financial support for professional development opportunities, such as attending academic conferences, is also provided. Moving expenses are covered in whole or in part by the university.

Application Process 
The first review of applications will be 10/19/2025. The completed employment application must include:

  • Letter of interest or cover letter that addresses qualifications
  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Unofficial transcripts specifying conferred/ABD degree
  • Names and contact information of three current professional references

Applications must be submitted online at https://www.tamiu.edu/admins/ohr/employment/. For more information, contact the search committee chair, Dr. Brittany Hood, at brittany.hood@tamiu.edu.

Assistant Professor | CSU Northridge

Assistant Professor – Department of Criminology and Justice Studies #26-03

Job no: 551910
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Northridge
Categories: Unit 3 – CFA – California Faculty Association, Faculty – Behavioral Sciences, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time

Position:
The Department of Criminology and Justice Studies at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is seeking a tenure-track faculty member in Criminology and Justice Studies at the rank of Assistant Professor with a primary specialization in mental health, substance use, or disability in the criminal legal system and a sub-specialization in forensic psychology, disability studies, and/or social inequality.

Responsibilities:

  • Teaching assignments: The standard teaching assignment is 9 units (3 courses) per semester for the first two years, and then 12 units (4 courses) per semester thereafter. However, there may be opportunities for course reductions through external or internal research grants and/or university/college/departmental service assignments. CSBS also generally permits teaching one fully online (asynchronous) course per semester. Other course styles, such as hybrid teaching (e.g., online and in-person combination), are also common.
    • Teaching responsibilities for the successful candidate will include core courses in the Criminology and Justice Studies undergraduate program, along with courses in mental health, substance use, or disability in the criminal legal system that emphasize perspectives from forensic psychology, disability studies, and/or social inequality. Candidates who intend to teach law courses should also hold a JD to be eligible to teach those courses.
  • Mentorship and collaboration: The successful candidate will be expected to participate in high-impact mentoring practices that promote the academic success of university students, particularly first-generation and underrepresented students, including advising them toward accomplishing their short- and long-term professional objectives. The department, college, and university provide opportunities for mentorship support.
  • Research expectations: The successful candidate will be expected to produce peer-reviewed scholarly publications, participate in professional conferences regularly, and remain current in their research field through professional development. In addition, student involvement in research is highly encouraged.
  • Service responsibilities: The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to department, college, and university committees, advise students, and connect to community-based agencies in crime and justice. CSBS further emphasizes community engagement that prepares our students for careers that impact both the local community and global society.

In addition to teaching, the position requires weekly office hours, attending faculty meetings, participation in assessment of student learning, and service to the department, college, and university. The successful candidate may be required to teach on weekdays, evenings, weekends, and/or online and will be held to the standards and requirements of the college and department in which they are housed for recommending tenure and promotion. Given CSUN’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and engagement in a diverse environment, the successful candidate will help the Department achieve equitable academic outcomes for all students through teaching, student mentorship, scholarship, and service.

Required Qualifications:   

  • Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work/Social Welfare, or a closely related area, with a primary specialization in mental health, substance use, or disability in the criminal legal system and a sub-specialization in forensic psychology, disability studies, and/or social inequality. Evidence of degree(s) required by the appointment start date. The J.D. alone is not sufficient for this position.
  • Evidence of, or clear potential for, excellence in teaching Criminology and Justice Studies courses using student-centered pedagogy
  • Evidence of, or clear potential for, inclusive approaches to mentoring students, including first-generation students and those from historically underserved backgrounds
  • Evidence of, or clear potential for, successful scholarly publication.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Evidence of, or clear potential for, engaging students in research, including first-generation students and those from historically underserved backgrounds
  • Evidence of, or clear potential for, developing interdisciplinary links with programs and/or departments across the University
  • Evidence of, or clear potential for, effective engagement with students through inclusive approaches that support success beyond the classroom, such as career readiness
  • Evidence of, or clear potential for, building partnerships that expand opportunities for students through community engagement, applied research, or experiential learning

Application Deadline:
Priority application deadline is October 24, 2025, and applications received after this date may be considered on an as-needed basis. However, the position will remain open until filled.

How to Apply:
Candidates should apply by completing the CSUN online application. To apply and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: www.csun.edu/careers  

Applicants must submit the following to the website in the section above:

  • a letter of application (cover letter), not to exceed 2 single-spaced pages, including a section about past and future scholarly work and a brief description of inclusive approaches across teaching, scholarship, and service.
  • a curriculum vitae (CV) that includes contact information for three professional references
  • a teaching and mentorship statement, not to exceed 2 single-spaced pages, describing inclusive approaches to teaching and mentorship, prior experiences, and plans to engage students, including first-generation students and those from historically underserved backgrounds
  • evidence of, or clear potential for, excellence in teaching, such as sample syllabi, sample assignments, peer evaluations, and/or student evaluations
  • unofficial graduate transcripts

Assistant Professor | UNC Chapel Hill

Assistant Professor

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Sociology Department seeks to advance sociological knowledge and the public’s understanding of society through research and teaching at the highest levels of the discipline. This goal breaks down into four important components: 1) to teach the core areas and methods of the discipline to undergraduates in a manner that will introduce them rigorously to its broad scope; 2) to offer social scientific and professional training to graduate students to prepare them for teaching and research careers inside and outside of the academy; 3) to carry out cutting-edge research in sociology to be published in major disciplinary and interdisciplinary journals; 4) to provide intellectual leadership and service to the department and sociology and related professions as well as to the university, local community, state, and nation.

Further details on the department and undergraduate program are available here: http://sociology.unc.edu

Position Summary
This Assistant Professor position will teach graduate and undergraduate courses, conduct research in the field of Sociology, participate in departmental service, and mentor graduate students.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Candidates must have their PhD in Sociology or a relevant discipline at the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Specialization in computational sociology or advanced quantitative methods. A record of strong, innovative research and excellence in teaching

Special Instructions
Candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, a writing sample, and the names and contact information of three references through UNC’s online recruitment system. Please use the “Other Document” attachment to provide the teaching statement. Applications will be considered until the position is filled, but our review of applications will begin on October 1, 2025.

Assistant Professor – Juvenile Justice | University of South Carolina

Assistant Professor – Juvenile Justice

Advertised Job Summary
The faculty of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August 16, 2026.

The successful candidate will teach 2 courses per semester, including offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as needed. They will also maintain an active research agenda, mentor and supervise students, and provide service to the Department, College, University, community, and discipline.

Required Education and Experience
The position requires a Ph.D. in criminology/criminal justice, or an earned doctorate in a closely-related social science discipline by the start of employment (ABDs considered). We are seeking candidates whose research addresses juvenile justice.

Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with demonstrated potential for external research funding are especially encouraged to apply.
Posting Detail Information

Special Instructions to Applicant
All applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Applications must include: (1) a cover letter that describes their research and teaching interests, (2) a curriculum vitae, and (3) the names and email addresses of 3 references. References will be contacted directly for letters.

Review of applications begins September 26, 2025. The position will remain open until filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to Dr. Christi Metcalfe, Search Committee Chair, at cmetcalfe@sc.edu.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Assistant or Associate Professor | Penn State

Assistant or Associate Professor (Tenure-Track), Department of Sociology and Criminology

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Criminology Program in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at The Pennsylvania State University, in University Park, PA, USA, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position, at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor.

Candidates for Assistant Professor will have expertise in the following areas, including but not limited to, criminal justice system, criminal justice policy, or criminology, broadly defined. All candidates must have demonstrated ability as a researcher, scholar, and teacher in a relevant field and have evidence of growth in scholarly achievement. Duties for candidates include a combination of teaching, research, and service, based on the candidate’s qualifications.

Candidates for Associate Professor will have expertise in the following areas, including but not limited to, criminal justice system, criminal justice policy, or criminology, broadly defined. All candidates must have demonstrated ability as a researcher, scholar, and teacher in a relevant field and have evidence of growth in scholarly achievement, as well as an established reputation and demonstrated excellence in scholarly achievement. Duties for Associate Professor candidates include a combination of teaching, research, and service, based on the candidate’s qualifications.

A Ph.D. in Sociology, Criminology, or related field is required by the appointment date for all Ranks.

Interested candidates must submit an online application at Penn State’s Job Posting Board, and should upload the following application materials electronically: a letter of interest, CV or resume, and a list of three references with contact information. Inquiries may be directed to the Faculty Coordinator, Jill Palmer, at jqp6220@psu.edu.

Visit our website for more information on the Department of Sociology and Criminology.

Postdoc | Cornell Population Center

Postdoctoral Associate, Cornell Population Center (CPC): Frank H.T. Rhodes Postdoctoral Fellowships

Fellowship ID: CornellCornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public PolicyPOSTDOC_CPC [#30347, WDR-00054856]
Location: Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America [map
Subject Areas: Social Sciences; Sociology; Demography / Population Studies; Economics
Appl Deadline: 2025/12/01 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2025/08/07, listed until 2025/12/15)

The Cornell Population Center (CPC) invites applicants for the Frank H.T. Rhodes Postdoctoral Fellowship. The position starts August 15, 2026 and will continue for 2 years, subject to a satisfactory first year evaluation. The position will have an initial one-year term with the possibility of renewal for a second year based on satisfactory performance and available funding. Selection is based on scholarly potential, ability to work in multi-disciplinary settings, and the support of a CPC faculty affiliate who will serve as mentor. Preference will be given to fellows with research interests in areas broadly related to the CPC’s four main areas: families & children; health behaviors & disparities; poverty & inequality; and immigration & diversity. Especially encouraged are applications from candidates whose research has significance for those countries on which the fellowship’s funder focuses – the United States, the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Vietnam, South Africa, and Bermuda.

The Frank H. T. Rhodes Fellowships stand as a testament to the profound difference Frank Rhodes has made at Cornell by furthering scholarship and research in areas related to poverty alleviation, support for the elderly and disadvantaged children and youth, public health, and human rights. The postdoctoral program is designed to provide support through collaborations with faculty and to assist new scholars in launching their own programs of research.  Postdoctoral Associates devote most of their time to independent research but are expected to be actively involved in CPC activities and events. CPC offers an exciting intellectual environment for postdoctoral training in demography, with over 200 affiliated faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. See http://www.cpc.cornell.edu/ for more information about CPC.

Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in demography, economics, sociology, or another related social science discipline by August 15, 2026. 

Application Information: Interested applicants should submit a: 1) cover letter that identifies a CPC faculty sponsor, 2) curriculum vita, 3) statement proposing both an individual research project and a description of how the candidate will engage in a collaborative project with a specific CPC faculty affiliate, 4) example of written work, and 5) three letters of recommendation. Applications must identify a willing CPC faculty sponsor – we encourage candidates to reach out individually to CPC faculty affiliates.

Materials should be submitted online to Academic Jobs Online at the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30347
For full consideration, please apply by December 1, 2025.

Pay Range: $62,232 – $75,564 – The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

  • Prior relevant work or industry experience.
  • Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
  • Academic discipline
  • Unique applicable skills.

Applications will be reviewed on December 01, 2025, and continue until a candidate is selected.

For questions regarding the position, please contact CPC Director, Professor Matthew Hall at mhall@cornell.edu.

The Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy was established in 2021 to tackle the most pressing policy challenges we face in the U.S. and globally. To advance this goal, we are hiring world-class research scholars and educators across a variety of disciplines who are oriented toward policy engagement and impact.