Ketterer/Vorwald Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship

JOB PURPOSE

The Ketterer/Vorwald Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship is a one-to-two-year, cohort-based program designed to immerse exceptional recent graduates in the intellectual life of the Hoover Institution while supporting their professional growth, Stanford graduates preferred. Fellows work closely with Hoover scholars, participate in seminars and research activities, and receive sustained mentorship and professional development. Fellows receive an annual salary of $70,829 - $82,425 with full Stanford benefits with the option to take one Stanford class per year for credit.

Ketterer/Vorwald Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship is an in-person program. Hoover's hybrid expectation is working 3 days a week in the office. Visa holders must comply with the in-person requirements stipulated by their visa. Barring such legal requirements, mentors may set different expectations for in-office work based on research needs.

Fellowship start date: September 1, 2026

Please submit the following application materials for full consideration.

Required:

• A current resume/curriculum vitae
• Academic Transcript
• College transcripts (unofficial) combined in a single document
• PDF with Contact Information for 2 Recommenders
• Statement of Interest (1,000 words maximum, see below)
• Research and Intellectual Interests (750 words maximum, see below)
• Professional Goals and Development (500 words maximum, see below)
• Optional Short Response

APPLICATION MATERIALS IN ONE DOC TO SUBMIT:

Statement of Interest (1,000 words maximum)

Please address the following:

1. Your academic interests and intellectual development at Stanford
2. Why the post-baccalaureate period is an important next step for you
3. How engagement with Hoover's scholarship and research community would foster your growth and future trajectory
4. Your longer-term academic, policy, or professional aspirations

Research and Intellectual Interests: (750 words maximum)

Please describe the following:

1. A policy, historical, economic, or institutional questions that most interests you
2. Any research experience, independent projects, or coursework relevant to these interests
3. Areas of Hoover scholarship or themes with which you are particularly eager to engage

Professional Goals and Development (500 words maximum)

Please explain the following

1. How you hope this fellowship will contribute to your professional growth
2. Skills, experiences, or perspectives you aim to develop during the two-year fellowship
3. How you anticipate using this experience in graduate study or career advancement

Letters of Recommendation (2 required)

Recommenders should be individuals who can speak to your intellectual ability, character, and capacity for independent work. For Stanford graduates, at least one recommender should be a Stanford faculty member.

• Recommender Name
• Title and Affiliation
• Email Address

Optional Short Responses

• What book, article, or idea has most shaped how you think about public life or institutions? (250 words)
• Describe a moment when your perspective on an important issue changed significantly. (250 words)

CORE DUTIES

• Participate in the planning and approach to experiments or study in support of research projects. Recommend and perform research tasks requiring independent initiative and judgment by applying specific Advanced Knowledge and understanding of scientific or other discipline theory when precedents do not provide specific guidance, under minimum instruction by supervisor.
• Assist in designing, constructing and implementing experiments, survey instructions and scoring scales requiring independent judgment, discretion and authority over matters of significance to the university in applying non-routine data, methods, procedures and processes. Exercises independent initiative, expertise and judgment in completing a variety of high-level assignments, including activities such as defining variables, formulating hypotheses, and selecting subjects, sources of information, or planning and coordinating experimental or research protocols.
• Compare and evaluate possible courses of conduct related to the research and act with independence and decision-making authority based on various possibilities within scope, with minimum immediate or specific direction or supervision with respect to matters of significance to the project.
• Adapt or work out the details of new, nonstandard procedures or methods, with the supervisor providing general guidance and suggestions.
• Interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using scientific or statistical techniques. Solve problems and make decisions that affect the direction of the research and result in independent contributions to the overall project.
• Apply the theories and methods of science or other specific discipline to not only synthesize, develop, deliver and interpret research results, but also to make recommended suggestions to procedures and protocols using independent judgment, discretion and authority over matters of significance to the university. Select and apply standard calculations and formulas independently to compile data or process documents; often serve as a resource for research methods and numerical analyses.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis and write summaries to remain current with new procedures or methods and apply learnings to related research projects. Contribute to publication of findings, participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations and proposals. May co-author sections of research literature manuscripts, publications and regulatory reports requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines the conceptual approach.
• Complete project-related administrative and budgetary responsibilities of a limited scope. Act as team lead for others, including orientation, mentorship and instruction on techniques, as well as guidance on project work.
• Incumbents in this job will be eligible to take one take one Stanford class per year for credit. Incumbents will also spend 10-15% of their time in training or professional development activities.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in economics or an applicable social science or similar specific discipline, and a minimum of two years of prior research assistant or professional research experience.

Preference given to Stanford students in their final year of undergraduate study or Stanford alumni who have completed their bachelor's degree within the past two years at the time of application. Must have a bachelor's degree by the starting date. Preference given to applicants with a degree in a relevant field, such as economics, history, international relations, national security, political science, or public policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific theory and methods. Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of specific discipline's principles to problem solving work.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent independent judgment.
• Ability to present and explain probabilistic and statistical concepts to others, including research and/or students and trainees and experience in data visualization.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Developed team and project lead skills.

Certifications and Licenses: None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently sitting.
• Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

WORKING CONDITIONS: May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.

The expected pay range for this position is $70,829-$82,425 per annum.