What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Director. position at Dartmouth College?
Position Details
Position Information
Posting date 08/27/2026
Closing date
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
Schedule
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 Research Lab.
Description
The Polarization Research Lab ( PRL ) led by Associate Professor of Government Sean Westwood is seeking a Research Director. PRL is a cross-university social science research lab founded in 2022. Our work examines democratic attitudes, political trust, elite rhetoric, and governance. We combine rigorous survey research, experimental methods, and public engagement to produce findings that inform scholars, policymakers, journalists, and the public.
We are seeking a Research Director to manage the lab’s research pipeline from developing new research projects and survey instruments through data analysis and writing. This person will also help manage and mentor our postdoctoral and predoctoral researchers, ensuring the team runs smoothly and produces rigorous, timely work. We’re looking for a strong quantitative researcher, a clear 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 from institutions around the world. While the majority of the time will be dedicated to collaborative lab projects, there will be opportunity (and space on the lab’s survey instrument) to develop related independent research.
Dartmouth is committed to academic excellence and encourages the open exchange of ideas within a culture of mutual respect. People with different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives make the Dartmouth community diverse, which enhances academic excellence.
Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp PhD plus 1-2 year(s) of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge And Abilities
Department Contact Phone Number Sean.J.Westwood@dartmouth.edu
Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title Sean Westwood, Associate Professor of Government
Department Contact's Phone Number Sean.J.Westwood@dartmouth.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer
Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.
Background Check
Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job? Not an essential function
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is funded by a grant. Continuation is based upon available funds.
This position is a 12-month term position.
Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or 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 questions regarding years of direct experience, indirect experience, and people management experience. Responses will be reviewed alongside application materials. Your response will be cross-referenced with your application materials to verify accuracy and, for finalists, to inform salary placement.
Please ensure your resume and work history clearly reflect the full scope of your work, including position titles, employment dates, responsibilities, and supervisory duties. Incomplete or inconsistent information may affect how your experience is evaluated.
Quick Link https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/87032
Key Accountabilities
Description
Manage the lab’s research pipeline end to end: helping to develop new research projects, designing and fielding surveys, analyzing data, and writing up findings for public reports and peer-review journals.
Description
Supervise and mentor postdoctoral and predoctoral researchers and undergraduate RAs, helping manage their projects, workloads, and professional development.
Percentage Of Time 10%
Description
Foster a collaborative, supportive team culture across researchers at all levels while ensuring deadlines are met.
Percentage Of Time 5%
Description
Contribute to grant proposals and funder reporting as needed.
Percentage Of Time 5%
Position Information
Posting date 08/27/2026
Closing date
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
Schedule
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 Research Lab.
Description
The Polarization Research Lab ( PRL ) led by Associate Professor of Government Sean Westwood is seeking a Research Director. PRL is a cross-university social science research lab founded in 2022. Our work examines democratic attitudes, political trust, elite rhetoric, and governance. We combine rigorous survey research, experimental methods, and public engagement to produce findings that inform scholars, policymakers, journalists, and the public.
We are seeking a Research Director to manage the lab’s research pipeline from developing new research projects and survey instruments through data analysis and writing. This person will also help manage and mentor our postdoctoral and predoctoral researchers, ensuring the team runs smoothly and produces rigorous, timely work. We’re looking for a strong quantitative researcher, a clear 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 from institutions around the world. While the majority of the time will be dedicated to collaborative lab projects, there will be opportunity (and space on the lab’s survey instrument) to develop related independent research.
Dartmouth is committed to academic excellence and encourages the open exchange of ideas within a culture of mutual respect. People with different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives make the Dartmouth community diverse, which enhances academic excellence.
Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp PhD plus 1-2 year(s) of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge And Abilities
- Ph.D. in Political Science, Economics, Statistics, or Computer Science.
- Advanced statistical and AI skills; substantial experience with writing code.
- Strong writing experience, with a preference for a track record of peer-reviewed journal articles.
- Experience managing complex research projects.
- A collaborative, team-oriented approach, with the ability to support and mentor junior researchers.
- 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 Phone Number Sean.J.Westwood@dartmouth.edu
Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title Sean Westwood, Associate Professor of Government
Department Contact's Phone Number Sean.J.Westwood@dartmouth.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer
Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.
Background Check
Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job? Not an essential function
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is funded by a grant. Continuation is based upon available funds.
This position is a 12-month term position.
Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or 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 questions regarding years of direct experience, indirect experience, and people management experience. Responses will be reviewed alongside application materials. Your response will be cross-referenced with your application materials to verify accuracy and, for finalists, to inform salary placement.
Please ensure your resume and work history clearly reflect the full scope of your work, including position titles, employment dates, responsibilities, and supervisory duties. Incomplete or inconsistent information may affect how your experience is evaluated.
Quick Link https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/87032
Key Accountabilities
Description
Manage the lab’s research pipeline end to end: helping to develop new research projects, designing and fielding surveys, analyzing data, and writing up findings for public reports and peer-review journals.
- With the PIs, develop original research questions and study designs.
- Design survey instruments and oversee data collection, ensuring methodological rigor.
- Conduct and oversee quantitative analysis of survey and experimental data, including writing and checking code.
- Write up findings for peer-reviewed publications, reports, and public-facing summaries.
Description
Supervise and mentor postdoctoral and predoctoral researchers and undergraduate RAs, helping manage their projects, workloads, and professional development.
Percentage Of Time 10%
Description
Foster a collaborative, supportive team culture across researchers at all levels while ensuring deadlines are met.
Percentage Of Time 5%
Description
Contribute to grant proposals and funder reporting as needed.
Percentage Of Time 5%
- Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Salary : $22 - $28