What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate - Center for Effective Lawmaking, Frank Batten S position at The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia?
The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral research position. The position is offered for one year starting in July 2027. In addition to carrying out his or her own research, the appointee will collaborate with a Batten faculty member, Craig Volden, on research related to the Center for Effective Lawmaking, and will have the opportunity to teach one class in the Batten School. A particular research focus on lawmaking in American state legislatures and/or the U.S. Congress is welcome.
The Center for Effective Lawmaking seeks to advance the generation, communication, and use of new knowledge about the effectiveness of individual lawmakers and U.S. legislative institutions. We envision American legislatures comprised of effective lawmakers, strong institutional capacity, and the incentive structure needed to address America's greatest public policy challenges. To learn more about the Center, please visit: https://thelawmakers.org/.
A PhD degree in Political Science or related disciplines is required by the start date of the position. Strong quantitative, communication, and project management skills are also required. UVA offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits to its community of postdoctoral researchers and scholars.
The position includes mentorship, access to resources and research infrastructure, opportunities to collaborate with faculty at a truly interdisciplinary school, and connections to the policy world and to a robust network of diverse scholars.
- This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
- This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and may be eligible for a hybrid schedule for a number of days each week. To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
- This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
- This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.
- Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
- For immediate consideration, please apply by November 15, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
How to Apply
Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0088245. Complete an application with the following documents:
- CV
- Cover Letter
- A two-page proposal on how you would like to contribute to the Center for Effective Lawmaking
- Contact information for three references
- Writing sample
- Graduate school transcript
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on theUVA Internal Careers website.
For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.