What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Researcher in Government: Polarization Research Lab, 2026-2027 position at Dartmouth College?
Oct 14, 2025
The Polarization Research Lab (PRL) at Dartmouth College seeks a postdoctoral researcher to join our team for 2026-2027. The postdoc will work with Associate Professor of Government and PRL Director Sean Westwood on projects related to democratic attitudes and governance in the United States. Postdocs in the lab receive mentorship and training to achieve their career goals.
The main job of the postdoc will be to write academic articles, design and implement survey experiments, use methods of causal inference to assess the impact of changes in the information environment on changes in attitudes, and conduct descriptive studies of the data. They will be involved in all aspects of the research, with the goal of co-authoring academic publications and creating reports for widespread consumption.
The postdoc will have the chance to co-author (and lead) papers and work on scientific projects with researchers from institutions around the world. While the majority of the time will be dedicated to collaborative lab projects, there will be opportunity (and space on the lab's survey instrument) to develop related independent research.
This position is full-time, non-remote, in-residence at Dartmouth in Hanover, NH, with start date as early as July 1, 2026. Initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal. Postdoctoral researchers receive a stipend of approximately $67,500 plus benefits and an allocation for research expenses (exact funding levels for 2026-27 will be set at the time of offer). Postdoctoral researchers are advised and hosted in the Department of Government. They are also supported by the Guarini School for Graduate and Advanced Studies, including their community initiatives.
Dartmouth is committed to academic excellence and encourages the open exchange of ideas within a culture of mutual respect. Dartmouth welcomes people with different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives and believes that diversity in all its forms enhances academic excellence. Applicants should address in their cover letter how their research, teaching, service, and/or life experiences prepare them to serve Dartmouth's commitment to academic excellence in an environment that is welcoming to all.
- A Ph.D. conferred by July 1, 2026, with a preference for political science, economics, statistics, or computer science.
- A range of statistical and data skills, including graduate-level knowledge of causal inference methods, computational data management, and data analysis.
- Experience managing large datasets and executing data analysis in complex environments is highly valued.
Please submit all materials electronically through Interfolio:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Three reference letters
- Two writing samples. Single-authored, peer-reviewed journal articles preferred but not required.
Note: deadline updated to January 5, 2026. Review may continue after that date if the position remains unfilled. For questions regarding this position, please contact Professor Sean J. Westwood at sean.j.westwood@dartmouth.edu.
Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of underrepresented groups are encouraged.