Description

The Annenberg Institute at Brown University (AIB) is seeking a postdoctoral research associate for a one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal for a second year, to join a diverse community of scholars committed to educational equity and improvement. The postdoctoral research associate will participate in collaborative research activities with at least one of our affiliated faculty on issues related to US PK-16 education policy.

Applicants should have a substantive interest in PK-16 education and deep expertise with quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed methods research.

We are particularly interested in scholars with expertise in:

• school choice in large urban school districts (to work with Jesse Bruhn);
• race and education (to work with John Diamond and/or Prudence Carter);
• state and district-level research practice partnerships, particularly related to teacher workforce development and/or professional learning (to work with John Papay and Nate Schwartz).

The postdoctoral research associate will receive mentorship and training from a faculty sponsor, primarily through an active research apprenticeship and collaboration. In addition, they will be part of our robust postdoctoral cohort, and the broader AIB community including faculty, research staff, and students at Brown University.

Selected candidates who have not completed all requirements for their doctoral degree by the position state date will be appointed as a Research Associate at a reduced salary until all degree requirements are completed.

For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin in January 2026. Applications received by December 31, 2025 will be considered preferentially, but the search will remain open until filled.

To be considered for this position please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, two examples of scholarly work, and arrange to have three confidential letters of recommendation submitted via Interfolio. Candidates should address how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community. For more information about the application process, please contact Samuel Madison (samuel_madison@brown.edu).

Requirements

Candidates must have a PhD in Education, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment. Candidates should have strong substantive expertise in PK-16 education policy and strong quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed methods research skills. Applications with a record of successful publication and with project management skills are preferred, as are those with details about methodological skills and expertise and the substantive domains of a candidate’s work.