Postdoctoral Associate - Civic Science

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

About the Baker Institute:

Founded in 1993, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy is one of the premier nonpartisan public policy research organizations in the country. As an integral part of Rice University, the Baker Institute has a strong track record of achievement based on the work of its fellows, scholars, and staff. The institute collaborates with experts from academia, government, media, business, and nongovernmental and private organizations.

A national leader in science policy research and scholarship, the Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy Program also hosts the White House Scientists Archive, a digital heritage collection that documents the history of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the lives, careers, and policy work of scientists and presidential science advisors.

Position Summary

Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research on the history, institutions, and governance of U.S. federal science and technology policy.

During the full-time, two-year appointment, the Scholar will be mentored by fellows of the Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy Program and collaborate closely with Rice University’s Woodson Research Center Special Collections and Archives at Fondren Library. The Scholar will pursue original lines of research exploring the role of scientists in federal policymaking and the history of U.S. science policy institutions.

Candidates should have completed or will soon complete a Ph.D. in science, engineering, or mathematics.

Ideal candidates will have training in a science or engineering discipline and an interest in science policy and public engagement.

Proposed Salary: $65,000 per year

Essential Functions

• Conduct guided and independent research, including data collection, synthesis, analysis, and manuscript development
• Publish and present research findings through academic conferences, scholarly journals, and Baker Institute policy or issue briefs
• Support project management and collaborate with stakeholders and team members across the Baker Institute, Rice University, and external partner organizations
• Contribute to mentoring and training of junior research team members, including graduate and undergraduate students
• Engage with a network of emerging scholars and policy practitioners through the Rita Allen Civic Science Fellow program to develop professional relationships and communication skills
• Participate in Baker Institute events, outreach, and other activities related to science and technology policy
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in science, engineering, or mathematics

Skills

• Strong interest in science policy, public engagement, and history of U.S. government
• Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed research publications
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication abilities
• Ability to work independently with changing levels of oversight
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with faculty and staff in an academic and professional setting
• Ability to work collaboratively with an existing team, managing multiple deadlines, and respond to a high volume of requests