Description
The Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC) at Brown University invites applications for a postdoctoral position to start on or around July 1, 2026. The initial term of appointment is one year, but reappointment for a second year is expected, subject to satisfactory performance. We welcome applications from candidates with a Ph.D. in a relevant social science discipline (e.g., anthropology, economics, sociology, demography, public policy, or related) at the time of appointment. We also welcome applicants with financial support from other sources, including the NIH F32 Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship.
The PSTC builds scientific understanding of local, national, and global population challenges and their implications for health and well-being. PSTC focuses on demographic research in six main areas: children, families, and health; social inequalities; population, development, and environment; migration and urbanization; social foundations of health disparities; and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. Potential applicants are encouraged to consult the PSTC website to learn more about research activities, intra-institutional links, and faculty affiliate interests.
Postdoctoral Research Fellows are expected to spend their time working on independent research, and they may also collaborate with one or more mentors among our faculty affiliates. In addition, Postdoctoral Research Fellows are expected to be active members of the PSTC community (e.g., participate in relevant workshops, regularly attend weekly PSTC Colloquia, present their work to the PSTC community, present research at the Population Association of America (PAA) annual meetings, and submit one or more articles for publication). They are also encouraged to prepare grant applications. In some cases, they will teach a course in their area of expertise. Applicants should visit our PSTC faculty page and identify one or two potential faculty mentors; however, applicants are not required to contact potential mentors prior to submitting an application.
Application Instructions
Apply via Interfolio at this link (https://apply.interfolio.com/176037). Screening of applications will begin on December 8, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants should provide a CV, 2 examples of written work, and a cover letter with the following information: background, research interests and plans during the postdoctoral period, and future employment goals. Please note: Candidates must address in their materials (cover letter) how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community. Please have three letters of recommendation submitted online through Interfolio.
PSTC seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce to maintain the excellence of the University, and to offer our Postdoctoral Research Fellows richly varied disciplines, perspectives, viewpoints, and ways of knowing and learning.
Contact Meaghen Hanrahan (Meaghen_hanrahan@brown.edu) or Andrew Foster (afoster@brown.edu) with any questions.
Requirements
Applicants must have obtained a Ph.D. in a relevant social science discipline (e.g., anthropology, economics, sociology, demography, public policy, or related) at the time of appointment. The position is reserved for a US citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or a green card holder. 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.
