The Watson School for International and Public Affairs and the Department of Anthropology at Brown University invite applications for a two-year joint Postdoctoral Research Associate position beginning in the Fall of 2027.
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 postdocs 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. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. since September 1, 2026 or will have completed all degree requirements for their Ph.D. before July 1, 2027. Individuals who are currently – or have previously been – postdoctoral fellows or postdoctoral research associates in other programs are not eligible to apply. Watson postdocs 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.
For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.
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 Department of Anthropology. An ideal candidate would study important problems in political anthropology—broadly defined to include power, authority, domination, and resistance—using state-of-the-art methods of analysis and deriving impactful and novel results in a logical and transparent way. Successful applicants will have opportunities to work collaboratively with faculty during their postdoctoral employment.
To receive full consideration, the following materials should be submitted by October 15, 2026, via Interfolio.
· A cover letter stating the status of their dissertation and proposed research to be conducted during their postdoctoral employment. 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 community.
· A curriculum vitae.
· The names and affiliations of three referees.
Finalists will be invited to submit sample syllabi, writing samples, and letters of recommendation, but these elements are not necessary at this time.
Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2026; to receive full consideration applications should be received by that date. Awards will be announced by January 2027.
For further information regarding the Watson Postdoctoral Program, please visit the Watson School website ( watson.brown.edu) or contact:
Professor Andrew Schrank, 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. Andrew_Schrank@brown.edu.
For information about the application process, please email: Watson_Applications@brown.edu
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