Postdoctoral Research Associate, Thomas J. Watson Jr. School of International and Public Affairs and Department of Political Science 2026-2028

Description

The Watson School for International and Public Affairs and the Department of Political Science at Brown University invite applications for a two-year joint Postdoctoral Research Associate position beginning in the Fall of 2026.

 

Participants in this program will join an interdisciplinary community of scholars engaged in theoretically and substantively important research addressing the most pressing global issues of our time. Watson’s unique structure - including scholars from a wide range of disciplines who are also appointed in partner departments - allows post-docs to benefit from both a broad academic community while remaining closely connected with top scholars within their discipline, thus allowing them to pursue research and participate fully in the intellectual life of the School. Postdoctoral Research Associates will also teach one seminar course per year of up to nineteen students as well as present a work in progress to an interdisciplinary group. 

 

The selection process, open with regard to nationality and geographic area of research, is highly competitive; we anticipate selecting 1-2 scholars within this particular search. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. since September 1, 2024 or intend to receive their Ph.D. before July 1, 2026.  Individuals who are currently – or have previously been – postdoctoral fellows or postdoctoral research associates in other programs are not eligible to apply. Watson Post-Docs will receive a competitive salary, for this benefits-eligible position.  Additional funding will be made available for research expenses and research-related programming on campus.

 

Qualifications

This postdoctoral position offers early-career scholars the opportunity to pursue independent research while engaging with leading faculty across both the Watson School for International and Public Affairs and the political science department. An ideal applicant will focus on topics relating to interstate conflict, including but not limited to nuclear weapons, major power politics, crisis decision-making, diplomacy, and/or Chinese foreign policy. Applicants applying any type of social science methodology  (qualitative,  quantitative or experimental) are welcome. Successful applicants will have opportunities to work collaboratively with faculty during their fellowship. 

Application Instructions

To receive full consideration, the following materials should be submitted by October 15th to the application portal:

• A cover letter stating the applicant's academic field, status of their dissertation, and proposed research to be conducted during their fellowship period. The cover letter should not exceed 2,000 words and should make clear how the candidate will thrive in and contribute to Watson’s interdisciplinary environment, as well as how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive living-learning community

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae.

• A copy of each graduate transcript. 

• A writing sample, preferably an article or dissertation chapter

• Three confidential letters of recommendation from scholars familiar with the applicant’s research. 

 

Review of applications will begin on October 16th; to receive full consideration applications should be received by that date.  Awards will be announced by January 31, 2026.

 

For further information regarding the Watson Postdoctoral Program, please visit the Watson School website (watson.brown.edu) or contact:

 

Professor Rose McDermott, Faculty Director of the Watson Postdoctoral Program, Thomas J. Watson Jr. School for International and Public Affairs, Brown University, 111 Thayer Street, Box 1970 Providence, RI 02912. Rose_Mcdermott@brown.edu. 

 

For information about the application process, please email:  Watson_Applications@brown.edu

 

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.