Postdoctoral Research Associate, American Political Institutions, Political Science
The Department of Political Science seeks a two-year postdoctoral researcher to assist with projects, papers, and grant proposals as part of the Program on American Institutional Renewal (PAIR) at Purdue. The postdoctoral fellow will be mentored in research and proposal writing by PAIR faculty directors, Drs. Jesse Crosson and Logan Strother, and participate in an active research community in Political Science and the College of Liberal Arts.
For information about PAIR, please see the following website: https://cla.purdue.edu/academic/polsci/research/labs/pair-program/index.html
The start date is August 18, 2025. The position is at Purdue’s main campus in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Qualifications
A PhD in Political Science, Public Policy, or a closely related field is required. ABDs will be considered, but the successful candidate must provide evidence of completion of all requirements for the PhD prior to the start date of the position. Qualified candidates must have strong interest and skills in studying American political institutions, including the use of quantitative data analysis and/or formal theory. Candidates should have experience managing research projects and a record of successful collaboration.
About Purdue University
Political Science is home to 29 faculty and more than 40 PhD students, visiting scholars, and post-docs. Purdue University is a member of the AAU and a land grant university with enrollment of over 52,000 students. The campus is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, an area with a favorable cost of living and a vibrant local community. Purdue University offers high-quality research and computing facilities with many opportunities for collaboration in Centers and Institutes across campus and in the broader region.
The Program on American Institutional Renewal (PAIR) at Purdue
Co-directed by Drs. Jesse Crosson and Logan Strother, Program on American Institutional Renewal (PAIR) seeks to advance the generation, communication, and use of new knowledge about the workings of America's governing institutions. To this end, PAIR brings together interdisciplinary scholars, students, and practitioners interested in improving the workings of legislatures, courts, executive agencies, and other institutions. Among other core events and activities, PAIR sponsors a yearly research conference on American institutions, hosts guest lectures, facilitates panel discussions with political practitioners, and supports research on American institutions.
Within PAIR, Dr. Crosson directs the Partisanship, Polarization, and Pluralism Lab, where he directs projects on legislative politics, policy expertise, lobbying, and money in politics. In many cases, this work examines how a variety of institutional changes, such as primary reform and the introduction of term limits, have influenced politics in each of these areas. Broadly, his research focuses on the development, consequences, and potential responses to hyperpartisan competition in American politics.
Dr. Strother directs the Court of Claims Lab at PAIR, which aims to better understand the understudied and crucial role that the U.S. Court of Federal Claims plays within the federal judiciary. This research grows out of his broader research interests in the rule of law, judicial institutions, and interactions between courts and the mass public.
Application Procedures
To apply, please visit https://careers.purdue.edu/. Applications must be submitted online and include: 1) Cover letter of interest that includes a statement describing how the applicant’s research fits the principal duties and qualifications of the position, 2) Curriculum Vitae, and 3) Recent research paper or other writing sample related to the position description. Candidates who advance in the review process may be asked to provide letters of recommendation and transcripts.
Screening of applicants will begin on March 14, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment in this position. For additional information, contact Dr. Jesse Crosson at jcrosson@purdue.edu or Dr. Logan Strother at lstrothe@purdue.edu.
Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.