Postdoctoral Scholar in Migration, Democracy, and Quantitative Social Science at University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs, through the Klau Center for Civil and Human Rights, is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Migration and Democracy. This full-time, in-person position is based in South Bend, Indiana, and is designed for a promising social scientist with strong quantitative skills and an interest in agentic AI tools and public-facing research. The postdoc will work directly with Dr. Alexander Kustov, Associate Professor of Migration, on a new research program focused on identifying politically sustainable immigration policies. This program builds on Dr. Kustov's recent book, "In Our Interest: How Democracies Can Make Immigration Popular," and examines the conditions under which people would accept freer migration. The successful candidate will use original surveys, experiments, administrative and policy data, and comparative case studies to explore how governments and other actors can expand regular migration pathways while minimizing public backlash. Responsibilities include literature review, data analysis, collecting and analyzing survey and administrative data, publishing high-quality research, preparing grant proposals, and communicating research findings to both policy and broader public audiences. The postdoc will also participate in regular project meetings and the broader intellectual life of the Klau Institute and Keough School. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, or a closely related field by the start date. Required skills include proficiency in R, familiarity with agentic AI research tools, quantitative research methods, data visualization, and strong communication skills. Desired skills include knowledge of Stata, Python, causal inference, survey methodology, and experience in science communication. The position offers a competitive salary of up to $75,000, a moving allowance, and the possibility of renewal for a second year based on performance and funding. Application review begins March 20, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Interfolio link provided.