Post-Doctoral Associate

Posting Summary The Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Race & Politics in America (CPRA) at Rutgers University-Newark invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Associate to support bold research into race and politics in the United States. This is a one-year position that may be renewable for a second year pending budgetary approval. In addition, the research support, the position offers the opportunity to teach one 3-credit course per academic year designed to help undergraduate students develop foundational policy analysis, writing, and communication skills; and to write and distribute policy-relevant research. Position OverviewThis Post-Doctoral Associate position provides an ideal environment for scholars to further their research into race and politics in the United States while contributing to the academic development of undergraduate students. The Post-Doctoral Associate is expected to advance their research agenda during their appointment through academic and policy-focused publications; participate in the community and intellectual life of CPRA; and to share their research with the Rutgers-Newark community. The Post-Doctoral Associate will also prepare and teach a course focused on social justice and public policy, with a focus on strengthening students’ skills in researching, writing and presenting policy recommendations. This teaching experience will allow fellows to mentor students in essential academic and professional skills while integrating their own scholarly work into the classroom.Research and Teaching ExpectationsThe Post-Doctoral Associate will be expected to:● Conduct independent research and progress significantly on their scholarly agenda, including preparing research for publication.● Prepare 1-2 policy reports on issues that pertain to race and politics in the United States. We are especially interested in work that is relevant to the State of New Jersey and/or New Jersey politics.● Teach one course per academic year on social justice and public policy memo writing and policy recommendations designed for undergraduate students in their second year. This course will teach students how to critically analyze and communicate political issues in verbal and written policy forms.● Contribute to the intellectual, community and academic life of the Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Race & Politics and the Rutgers-Newark campus and community.● The Post-Doctoral Associate will be expected to participate in professional development activities and engage with faculty and students in an intellectually collaborative environment.● The Post-Doctoral Associate will be expected to participate in professional development activities and engage with faculty and students in an intellectually collaborative environment. The Post-Doctoral Associate will receive an annual salary, research funding, and teaching support.Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.For questions regarding this position, please contact the search committee chair at . Position Status Full Time Posting Number 25FA1163 Posting Open Date 11/18/2025 Posting Close Date Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications● Ph.D. in political science, sociology, public policy, or a closely related field, with a demonstrated focus on race, politics, and social justice in the United States.● Proven research agenda with the potential to advance knowledge in race and politics.● Experience or interest in teaching undergraduate courses and mentoring students. Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred Qualifications ● Experience in public-facing research for a policy audience. Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment Overview About the CenterEstablished in 2023 at Rutgers-Newark, CPRA examines the intersection of race and politics through research, education, and public engagement. We create public service career pathways for under-represented groups; support bold academic research; and spawn transformative conversations about race and politics with leading scholars, activists, and policymakers. Renamed in 2024 to honor the late Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, the first Black woman to hold statewide office in New Jersey, the Center serves as a vital resource for understanding race in America’s political landscape. Statement