Postdoctoral Research Associate, Strengthening Families Research Initiative (SFRI)

University of Notre Dame; Mishawaka (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Notre Dame in Indiana invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate within the Strengthening Families Research Initiative (SFRI). The role emphasizes developing an independent research portfolio while contributing to ongoing projects under the direction of the SFRI Director, with opportunities for travel funds and mentoring of predoctoral researchers.

The position supports a two-year appointment with potential renewal based on performance, and requires collaboration

Qualifications

• PhD in Economics, Demography, Public Policy, or a closely related field.
• Substantive interest in family policy, social mobility, or related applied microeconomics fields.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the two-year position.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and advance an independent research agenda related to the Initiative’s scope of research.
• Collaborate with SFRI affiliated faculty on research projects and mentor SFRI predocs and interns.
• Contribute to SFRI's research dissemination efforts (e.g., briefs and summaries).

Skills

Independent research

Collaboration

Policy-relevant research

Education

PhD in Economics, Demography, Public Policy, or related field

Job description

The Strengthening Families Research Initiative (SFRI) at the University of Notre Dame seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the initiative's mission to produce rigorous, policy-relevant research on the forces shaping family formation, family stability, and the well‑being of parents and children in the United States. The associate is expected to work on both initiative projects and their own independent research portfolio. The research associate will work closely with Director Melissa Kearney and other SFRI-affiliated scholars, and will be a part of the intellectual community of the Notre Dame Economics Department. The associate will be supported by research and travel funds. The initial appointment is for one year, with the option to renew for a second year contingent upon satisfactory performance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and advance an independent research agenda related to the Initiative’s scope of research
• Collaborate with SFRI affiliated faculty on research projects and help mentor SFRI predocs and interns
• Contribute to SFRI's research dissemination efforts (e.g., research briefs and summaries)

Applications submitted by November 15, 2026, will receive priority consideration.

Qualifications

• PhD in Economics, Demography, Public Policy, or a closely related field
• Substantive interest in family policy, social mobility, or related applied microeconomics fields
• Must be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the two-year position

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.