The Yale Institution for Social and Policy Studies (ISPS)’s Democratic Innovations Program invites applications for its Government Performance Postdoctoral Fellowship for the 2027-2028 academic year. Participants in the Fellowship will join a community of scholars engaged in theoretically and empirically important research on the politics of institutional performance in the United States and other nations facing similar economic and political challenges. A key priority for the program is the study of the linkages between political behavior and/ or political institutions and policy outputs affecting both overall societal performance and the lives of everyday citizens. We are interested in scholars whose research illuminates both strong and poor government performance, including problems in government that go unaddressed due to government failure, a lack of political competition, bureaucratic pathologies, or other reasons. In sum, we are interested in research on how politics affects government performance and seek applications from scholars whose research (whether theoretical or empirical) seriously engages this linkage.
Following are examples of some research questions to illustrate the priorities for this fellowship:
This is a residential fellowship program in New Haven. Fellows are expected to be actively engaged in the activities of the Democratic Innovations Program and present their research at least once per semester.
Fellowship positions are open to early-career scholars (those who anticipate completing their Ph.D by July 1, 2027 and who have completed their Ph.D. within 6 years of that date, including those with current university appointments). In some cases, the Fellowship may be extended to a second year. The position will begin July 1, 2027. Competitive salary will be provided and may, in some cases, include teaching [one course per year].
Please submit cover letter, research statement, C.V., one writing sample, graduate transcript (for applicants not currently holding a faculty position), and two confidential letters of recommendation.
The review process will begin on January 15, 2027; to receive full consideration applications should be received by that date.
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.
Information on salary ranges and benefits is available here.
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.
