Research Director

Dartmouth College; Hanover (NH); On-site; USD 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Dartmouth College seeks a Research Director to manage the Polarization Research Lab's operations, guiding project development from surveys to analysis and writing for publications.

The role emphasizes strong quantitative skills, rigorous writing, and collaboration; it is grant-funded, with a 12‑month term, and involves mentoring junior researchers and coordinating cross-institutional projects.

Qualifications

• PhD plus 1-2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced statistical and AI skills; substantial experience with writing code.
• Strong writing experience with peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience managing complex research projects.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented approach with ability to mentor junior researchers.

Responsibilities

• Manage the lab’s research pipeline end to end: develop new research projects, survey instruments, data analysis and writing.
• Supervise and mentor postdoctoral and predoc researchers and undergraduate RAs; ensure timely, rigorous work.
• Co‑author papers and lead scientific projects with researchers worldwide; develop independent research opportunities.
• Contribute to grant proposals and funder reporting as needed.

Skills

Advanced statistical methods

AI skills

Writing code

Scientific writing

Project management

Education

PhD in Political Science / Economics / Statistics / Computer Science

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Posting date

08/27/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Position Number

1129696

Position Title

Research Director

Hiring Range Minimum

$22.35

Hiring Range Maximum

$27.94

Union Type

Not a Union Position

SEIU Level

Not an SEIU Position

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Employment Category

Regular Full Time w/end date

Scheduled Months per Year

12

Scheduled Hours per Week

40

Location of Position

Hanover, NH

Remote Work Eligibility?

Onsite only

Is this a term position?

Yes

If yes, length of term in months.

12

Is this a grant funded position?

Yes

Position Purpose

To manage the research operations of the Polarization ResearchLab.

Description

The Polarization Research Lab ( PRL ) led by Associate Professor ofGovernment Sean Westwood is seeking a Research Director. PRL is across-university social science research lab founded in 2022. Ourwork examines democratic attitudes, political trust, eliterhetoric, and governance. We combine rigorous survey research,experimental methods, and public engagement to produce findingsthat inform scholars, policymakers, journalists, and thepublic.

We are seeking a Research Director to manage the lab’s researchpipeline from developing new research projects and surveyinstruments through data analysis and writing. This person willalso help manage and mentor our postdoctoral and predoctoralresearchers, ensuring the team runs smoothly and produces rigorous,timely work. We’re looking for a strong quantitative researcher, aclear writer, and a good collaborator.

The Research Director will have the chance to co-author (and lead)papers and work on scientific projects with researchers frominstitutions around the world. While the majority of the time willbe dedicated to collaborative lab projects, there will beopportunity (and space on the lab’s survey instrument) to developrelated independent research.

Dartmouth is committed to academic excellence and encourages theopen exchange of ideas within a culture of mutual respect. Peoplewith different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives makethe Dartmouth community diverse, which enhances academicexcellence.

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp

PhD plus 1-2 year(s) of experience or equivalent combination ofeducation and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge andAbilities

• Ph.D. in Political Science, Economics, Statistics, or ComputerScience.
• Advanced statistical and AI skills; substantial experience withwriting code.
• Strong writing experience, with a preference for a track recordof peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Experience managing complex research projects.
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach, with the ability tosupport and mentor junior researchers.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience managing or mentoring postdocs or predocs.
• Experience with large-scale surveys or panel studies.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries

Sean Westwood

Department Contact Phone Number

[e-mail]

Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title

Sean Westwood, Associate Professor of Government

Department Contact's Phone Number

[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federallaw. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color,religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, genderidentity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status,or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcomefrom all.

Background Check

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to andsuccessful completion of a pre-employment background check, whichmay include a criminal background check, reference checks,verification of work history, conduct review, and verification ofany required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications,with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal convictionwill not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment.Background check information will be used in a confidential,non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federallaw.

Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off roadvehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of thisjob?

Not an essential function

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is funded by a grant. Continuation is based uponavailable funds. This position is a 12-month term position. Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use oftobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibitedin all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operatedor occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details,please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy

Additional Instructions

Applicants will be asked to respond to three supplemental questionsregarding years of direct experience, indirect experience, andpeople management experience. Responses will be reviewed alongsideapplication materials. Your response will be cross-referenced withyour application materials to verify accuracy and, for finalists,to inform salary placement.

Please ensure your resume and work history clearly reflect the fullscope of your work, including position titles, employment dates,responsibilities, and supervisory duties. Incomplete orinconsistent information may affect how your experience isevaluated.

Quick Link

https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/87032

Key Accountabilities

Description

Manage the lab’s research pipeline end to end: helping todevelop new research projects, designing and fielding surveys,analyzing data, and writing up findings for public reports andpeer-review journals.

• With the PIs, develop original research questions and studydesigns.
• Design survey instruments and oversee data collection, ensuringmethodological rigor.
• Conduct and oversee quantitative analysis of survey andexperimental data, including writing and checking code.
• Write up findings for peer-reviewed publications, reports, andpublic-facing summaries.

Percentage Of Time

80%

Description

Supervise and mentor postdoctoral and predoctoral researchersand undergraduate RAs, helping manage their projects, workloads,and professional development.

Percentage Of Time

10%

Description

Foster a collaborative, supportive team culture acrossresearchers at all levels while ensuring deadlines aremet.

Percentage Of Time

5%

Description

Contribute to grant proposals and funder reporting asneeded.

Percentage Of Time

5%

-

Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions,interactions, and communications with others appropriate to anenvironment that is welcoming to all.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supplemental Questions

1. * How many years of indirect experience do you have in relatedor transferable work that supports this role? Please brieflydescribe this indirect experience, including specific positionsheld and the number of years of indirect experience acquired whilein these roles. (Open Ended Question)
2. * How many years of formal supervisory experience do you have,including direct responsibility for staff (e.g., hiring,performance management, terminations)? Please briefly describe yourpeople management experience, including the positions held, numberof direct reports, and the number of years of people managementexperience acquired while in these roles. (Open Ended Question)
3. * How many years of direct experience do you have in workclosely aligned with the key accountabilities of this role? Pleasebriefly describe your direct experience, including specificpositions held and the number of years of direct experienceacquired while in these roles. (Open Ended Question)
4. * How did you learn about this employment opportunity?
   • Current Dartmouth employee (Please specify full namebelow)
   • Word of mouth
   • Mentioned on social, digital, or print media (e.g. LinkedInfeed, VOX, Valley News, listserv)
   • [e-mail] email outreach (includes Job Alertnotifications, marketing emails from Talent Acquisition)
   • Recruiter (Please specify full name or event below)
   • abilityJOBS
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Glassdoor
   • Handshake
   • HigherEdJobs
   • HigherEdMilitary
   • Indeed
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • LinkedIn’s Job Board
   • RecruitMilitary
   • Dartmouth’s Job Board (searchjobs.dartmouth.edu)
   • Other (Please specify below)
5. If you would like to add more information to your answer,please specify here: (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Additional Document #1