The Yale Institution for Social and Policy Studies (ISPS) invites postdoctoral students and junior scholars to apply for its Democratic Innovations Fellowship. Democratic Innovations is an interdisciplinary ISPS program that encourages social scientists from a variety of fields to think about the factors that affect government policy and decision-making and to analyze novel democratic institutions that might support improvements in representation, citizen inclusion, and government performance. To further the study and dissemination of novel ideas, the program will aim to answer questions such as:
We are interested in theoretical and empirical scholars doing basic or applied research on these and related questions. We are also interested in scholars who are experts in novel systems of representation and decision making, especially any innovations in voting, citizens’ assemblies, or other political reforms that have been introduced recently and take advantage of advances in communication or computation.
Fellowship positions are open to those who have recently completed their Ph.D. (in the last 6 years), or to those who currently hold an untenured faculty position. Junior scholars are generally supported at a standard postdoctoral level for a period of one year beginning July 1, 2026 and are expected to be in residence during the academic year. In some cases, the Democratic Innovations Fellowship may be extended to a second year. Fellows are expected to be actively engaged with the activities of the Democratic Innovations program and present their research at least once per semester. Salary is negotiable depending on qualifications and may, in some cases, include minimal teaching responsibilities.
Please send cover letter, research statement, current C.V., one writing sample, and two letters of recommendation. A copy of graduate transcripts is also required for postdoctoral applicants not currently holding a faculty position.
The review process will begin on January 15, 2026. Please submit your application by that date to receive full consideration.
The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Additionally, in accordance with this Policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions; race; color; national or ethnic origin; religion; age; disability; protected veteran status, or other protected classes as set forth in federal and Connecticut law.
Professional Conduct Review for New Faculty Hires
The final candidate, upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment/faculty appointment, may be required to disclose whether they are, or have been, the subject of any disciplinary proceeding (investigation, hearing, etc.) at previous institutions or employers, and may also be subject to a background screening. Candidates who materially misrepresent information on their resume or other application materials are ineligible for hire/appointment. Final candidates may also be required to sign a release to allow Yale to solicit information regarding any substantiated conduct violations from current and/or past employers.
