IRiSS Predoctoral Researcher

Position Summary: The Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) is seeking Predoctoral Researchers to participate in our 2026-2027 cohort. The Predoctoral Researchers will work under general supervision of individual faculty in one of the following social science departments: communication, economics, political science, psychology, or sociology. Please see the "How to Apply" section below. The complete list of faculty mentors and Predoctoral Researcher projects for 2026-27 can be found on the program's website.

Predoctoral Researchers are in a staff category allowing them to enroll in one course per year for credit.

This is an 100% FTE 1-year fixed-term non-exempt position, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The extension is based on renewed funding of the program and individual circumstances of each faculty project. The start date is September 14, 2026. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

Project Description:

Vicky Fouka, Migration, Sorting and Political Cleavages

Since the mid-20th century, immigration has reshaped social identities and political conflict in Western democracies. During the same period, education became the central dividing line in politics. This project examines how immigration interacts with educational sorting to produce social experiences, identities, and political preferences that diverge across educational groups.

The research combines population-level data (census, administrative, and commercial) and surveys from the United States and Europe over several decades to study how immigrants and natives sort geographically, how these patterns shape identity and political behavior, and how they contribute to long-run political realignment. The predoctoral researcher will assist with data collection, cleaning, and analysis, as well as background work such as literature reviews, qualitative case study analysis, and historical data collection. In addition to this core project, the predoc will also have the opportunity to work on related projects examining migration, identity, and political economy in historical contexts (19th and early 20th centuries) in the US and Europe.

What You Will Learn

• Experience in handling and analyzing large administrative and survey datasets
• Familiarity with methods used to conduct empirical research in applied social science
• Exposure to scholarship on migration, political economy, and group identity
• Exposure to the growing field of historical political economy (HPE)
• Active involvement in all stages of the research process

The ideal candidate will be proficient in STATA and R, have a background in applied statistics/econometrics and causal inference, and be familiar with Python and agentic AI tools. The most important requirement is a willingness to learn more about these methods and the substantive questions they are used to answer.

CORE DUTIES:

• Participating in the planning and performing/conducting research tasks by applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory using precedents or other published guidelines and knowledge of theory and methods when specific precedents do not exist. General instruction provided by the supervisor or principal investigator. May interpret study results in collaboration with supervisor or PI.
• Participate in the development and administration of survey instruments and rating scales requiring judgment in applying non-routine procedures or methods. Analyze and summarize results for review with supervisor. Audit the accuracy and validity of data
• Review and audit case report forms for completion and accuracy with source documents and ensure compliance with research protocols.
• Identify, select, extract and summarize data and structured information. Present summary of findings to supervisor.
• Conduct literature searches, and write literature summaries and manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines conceptual approach.
• Build and organize data as requested by principal investigator or supervisor; use common statistical programs requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing data.
• Adapt new, nonstandard methods outlined by supervisor in designing and evaluating phases of research projects, (i.e., educational materials, questionnaires, strategies for recruitment, data quality control procedures and processes). May follow up with to ensure approvals and completion, seeking guidance where necessary.
• Assist with development, communication and design of research findings to internal and external audiences, which may include web updates, social media, and/or white papers, for use in recruitment, educational, or awareness of programs, with guidance from supervisor.

Other duties may also be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in an applicable life science, social science, physical science, or similar specific discipline. Degree must be received or expected no later than June 2026.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• General understanding of scientific theory and methods, typically gained through completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with study participants.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• The ability to work independently and as a member of a research team
• The ability to take initiative and see projects through to completion
• Interest in and enthusiasm for pursuing graduate studies or a career in social science research

HOW TO APPLY:

Please ensure the file names of uploaded documents include your name: e.g. "LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_CV.pdf."

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the "Apply for Job" button. Submit the following via the Stanford Careers website:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV, or resume), including the names and contact information for 2 recommenders
• College transcript(s)
• Cover letter
• Optional writing sample
• Optional background information. IRiSS is committed to building a diverse and inclusive research community. We actively recruit and mentor researchers who bring a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to our academic disciplines and strengthen our ideas. If you would like to share additional information about your background, perspectives, or experiences, please attach it as a separate document.
• Please ensure your contact information is entered correctly in the application form.