Research Director

Position Purpose

The Research Director manages the lab’s research programs function, providing professional leadership for research operations, staff development, and scientific excellence. This person will oversee the lab’s research pipeline from developing new research projects and survey instruments through data analysis and writing, and will 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.

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.

Required Qualifications - Education and Years Experience

• PhD plus 3-5 years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Ph.D. required, 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.
• 5+ years of research management experience, including managing complex research projects.
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach, with the ability to support and mentor junior researchers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing research programs at a major research university.
• Experience managing or mentoring postdocs or predocs.
• Experience with large-scale surveys or panel studies.
• Experience with research budgets, grant compliance, and sponsor reporting.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries

Sean Westwood

Email: 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.

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. Tobacco-Free Policy

Quick Link

https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/87822

Key Accountabilities

Manage the Polarization Research Lab’s research programs - 40% of time

• Manage the Polarization Research Lab’s research programs and project portfolio, overseeing research operations, scientific quality, and staff development across the lab’s work on democratic attitudes, political trust, elite rhetoric, and governance.
• Develop 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.

Develop and implement research standards - 20% of time

• Develop and implement the lab’s research operational standards, compliance frameworks, and research support service models, including survey and experimental protocols, human subjects (IRB) compliance, data management and security, and reproducibility practices.

Manage research program budgets - 20% of time

• Manage the lab’s research program budgets, grant compliance, and sponsor reporting, including contributing to grant proposals and funder reports.

Lead professional development - 20% of time

• Lead professional development for the lab’s postdoctoral and predoctoral researchers and undergraduate RAs, foster a collaborative, supportive team culture while ensuring deadlines are met, and contribute to the lab’s research strategic plan.

- 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.

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