Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Watson School of International and Public Affairs and Department of Political Science at Brown University, 2027-2029

The Watson School for International and Public Affairs and Department of Political Science at Brown University invite applications for a two-year joint Postdoctoral Research Associate position in comparative politics beginning in the Fall of 2027.

Participants in this program will join an interdisciplinary community of scholars engaged in theoretically and substantively important research addressing today’s most pressing global issues. Watson’s unique structure - including scholars from a wide range of disciplines who are also appointed in partner departments - allows postdocs to benefit from both a broad academic community while remaining closely connected with top scholars in their disciplines, thus allowing them to pursue research and participate fully in the intellectual life of the School. Postdoctoral Research Associates will also teach one seminar course of up to nineteen students per year as well as present a work in progress to an interdisciplinary group of scholars.

The selection process, open with regard to nationality and geographic area of research, is highly competitive. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. since September 1, 2025 or intend to receive their Ph.D. before July 1, 2027. Individuals who are currently – or have previously been – postdoctoral fellows or postdoctoral research associates in other programs are not eligible to apply. Watson postdocs will receive a competitive salary for this benefits-eligible position. Additional funding will be made available for research expenses and research-related programming on campus.

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.

Qualifications

This postdoctoral position offers early-career scholars the opportunity to pursue independent research while engaging with leading faculty across both the Watson School for International and Public Affairs and the Department of Political Science. We seek candidates whose research addresses important theoretical and substantive questions in comparative politics, broadly defined with respect to region, substantive focus, and methodological approach, and brings rigorous empirical evidence to bear on those questions. We are particularly interested in work that contributes to broader debates in comparative politics while also engaging important contemporary political questions. The fellowship provides substantial time and support for developing an independent research agenda, as well as opportunities for collaboration and teaching.

Application Instructions

To receive full consideration, the following materials should be submitted by January 20, 2027, via Interfolio.

• A cover letter stating the applicant's academic field, status of their dissertation, and proposed research to be conducted during their employment period. The cover letter should not exceed 2,000 words and should explain how the candidate will thrive in and contribute to Watson’s interdisciplinary environment, as well as how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive living-learning community. (Amended text for 300 character max. Cover Letter: Please note your dissertation status and proposed research to be conducted during the employment period. Also describe how you'll contribute to Watson’s interdisciplinary environment, and the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive community. 2,000 word max)
• A curriculum vitae.
• A copy of each graduate transcript.
• A writing sample, preferably an article or dissertation chapter
• Three confidential letters of recommendation from scholars familiar with the applicant’s research.

Please apply here: https://apply.interfolio.com/191974

Review of applications will begin on January 20, 2027; to receive full consideration applications should be received by that date. Awards will be announced by March 2027.

For further information regarding the Watson Postdoctoral Program, please visit the Watson School website (watson.brown.edu) or contact:

Professor Andrew Schrank, Faculty Director of the Watson Postdoctoral Program, Thomas J. Watson Jr. School for International and Public Affairs, Brown University, 111 Thayer Street, Box 1970 Providence, RI 02912. Andrew_Schrank@brown.edu.

For information about the application process, please email: Watson_Applications@brown.edu