Predoctoral Research Fellow (Summer 2027) - Strengthening Families Research Initiative

The Strengthening Families Research Initiative (SFRI) at the University of Notre Dame is hiring for a Predoctoral Research Fellow. This research fellow will work closely with Professor Melissa Kearney and other SFRI-affiliated scholars on empirical research on major questions involving family, fertility, inequality and public policy. The predoctoral research fellow will experience close faculty mentorship, substantive ownership of projects, and preparation for top economics/public-policy PhD programs.

Who We Are

The Strengthening Families Research Initiative is a nonpartisan research initiative based in the Department of Economics at the University of Notre Dame. We conduct and disseminate rigorous, policy-relevant research on the forces shaping family formation, family stability, and child well-being in the United States. We seek to build the evidence base needed to understand how economic conditions, public policy, and social forces affect families and what can be done to help parents and children thrive.

Job Responsibilities

Data Collection, Management, and Analysis (50%)

Clean, organize, and compile data from existing and new datasets

Assist with survey design and data collection, as necessary

Assist with RCT project design and data collection, as necessary

Perform statistical analyses using STATA or R

Prepare results and figures for reports, presentations, academic papers, and other dissemination channels, working to ensure accuracy

Writing and Dissemination (30%)

• Assist in drafting project documents (e.g. pre-analysis plans, literature reviews, grant proposals and reports, research paper drafts, etc.)
• Draft and execute important contracts (e.g. data-sharing agreements, reliance agreements, IRB proposals / amendments, etc.)
• Draft research summaries, research briefs, and policy briefs for academic and lay audiences
• Project Management and Program Support (20%)
• Drive forward and manage a portfolio of SFRI research projects at varying stages of the research lifecycle
• Work with the SFRI team to carry out and improve internal processes
• Help mentor undergraduate interns

Qualifications
• A Bachelor’s degree in Economics or related social science field
• Training in econometric and statistical techniques
• Programming experience with STATA and/or R
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple demands and timelines simultaneously
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong project management skills
• Self-directed with the willingness to take initiative over project tasks and offer input
• Must be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the two-year position

Additional Details
• This position is a 1-year appointment at the University of Notre Dame with the strong possibility of renewal for a second year. The ideal candidate is interested in spending two years in the role.
• Predoctoral Research Fellows work primarily in person at Notre Dame, with three designated in-office collaboration days each week and flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week.

Application Instructions

Please submit your cover letter and resume no later than 11:59 PM EST on Friday, October 16. In addition, please upload a separate document with answers to the following questions:

• Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment at Notre Dame?

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.

Dual Career Assistance

To support relocating families, Notre Dame’s Dual Career Assistance Program helps spouses and partners pursue local career opportunities.

Background Check

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.