The Yale State Capacity and Economic Dynamism Center at Yale’s Institution for Social and Political Studies invites applications for a post-doctoral associate position for AY 2026-27.
The post-doctoral associate will be expected to teach one undergraduate course during the year, pursue their own research on topics related to state capacity, regulatory reform, economic growth, or institutional design, and assist in organizing an annual conference and ongoing speakers series. The post-doctoral associate is expected to be in residence during the academic year and to present their research during the annual conference or speakers series. This is a one-year position, with the possibility to renew for a second year depending on funding and performance.
The Yale State Capacity and Economic Dynamism Center, led by Professors Joshua Kalla, Zachary Liscow, and David Schleicher, is an interdisciplinary research group committed to exploring evidence-based approaches to tackle the economic and political challenges that America faces. The Lab brings together scholars from across the social sciences and law to study how institutions can be designed and reformed to work more effectively for citizens. Our research examines the political processes that shape policy outcomes and investigates how regulatory barriers, procedural obstacles, and institutional design choices shaped by politics and public opinion constrain the capacity to build the housing, infrastructure, and investments that communities need. We examine how policy reforms can reduce costs, expand opportunity, and promote innovation. Through rigorous empirical analysis and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the Lab aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policy implementation, fostering dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across the political spectrum who share a commitment to effective, evidence-based governance.
Candidates must have a robust research program in political science, economics, political economy, public policy, or law, and must have completed their Ph.D., J.D., or equivalent by the time of appointment.
To apply, send a cover letter, CV, research statement, one writing sample, and a draft of a syllabus of an undergraduate course you propose to teach at Yale on topics related to this position. Please also provide two letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf.
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.
