Postdoctoral Research Associate in Population Studies

The Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC) at Brown University invites applications for a postdoctoral position to start July 1, 2027. The anticipated duration of the position is one (1) year, with the opportunity to renew up-to-two years depending on 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) awarded within the last three years, or who will have completed all degree requirements at least two weeks prior to the start date. 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 (http://pstc.brown.edu) to learn more about research activities, intra-institutional links, and faculty affiliate interests.

Postdoctoral Research Associates 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 Associates 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. 

Postdoctoral Research Associates receive standard benefits, an allocation for travel and research expenses, and regular annual increases, with exact funding levels set at the time of offer. Additionally, successful candidates will receive a $3,000 salary supplement during their first year to offset relocation expenses. Please visit the Postdoctoral Compensation website for detailed salary information.

For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant social science discipline (e.g., anthropology, economics, sociology, demography, public policy, or related) at the time of appointment. 

Application instructions

To apply, please go to (https://apply.interfolio.com/195027). Screening of applications will begin on December 7, 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. In addition, candidates should submit three letters of reference via the online system at the time of the application. 

PSTC seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce to maintain the excellence of the University, and to offer our Postdoctoral Research Associates richly varied perspectives, viewpoints, and ways of knowing and learning.

Contact Andrew Foster (afoster@brown.edu) or Casey Wahl (casey_wahl@brown.edu) with any questions.

Equal employment opportunity statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.