Watson Fellow, Thomas J. Watson Jr. School of International and Public Affairs and Department of Economics 2026-2028

Description

The Watson School for International and Public Affairs and the Department of Economics at Brown University invite applications for a two-year joint Fellow position beginning in the Fall of 2026.

 

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. The Watson School’s unique structure - including scholars from a wide range of disciplines who are also appointed in partner departments - allows Fellows 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. Fellows will also teach one course per year, to be negotiated with the selected candidate so as to minimize disruptions to their long-term trajectory, as well as present a work in progress to an interdisciplinary group. 

 

The selection process is highly competitive; we anticipate selecting 1-2 scholars within this particular search. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. since September 1, 2024 or intend to receive their Ph.D. before July 1, 2026.  Individuals who are currently – or have previously been – postdoctoral fellows or postdoctoral research associates in other programs are not eligible to apply. Watson Fellow 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.

 

Qualifications

This Fellow 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 Economics. We are seeking an economist whose work focuses on issues in applied microeconomics, including (but not limited to) applied econometrics, development economics, economics of education, industrial organization, labor economics, public economics, and urban economics.  The ideal candidate will have research that is clearly relevant to current policy issues and be interested in engaging with scholars across a broad range of disciplines as part of the community at the Watson School.

Application Instructions

To receive full consideration, the following materials should be submitted by March 6, 2026 to the application portal:

 

• A cover letter that makes clear how the candidate will thrive in and contribute to both Watson’s interdisciplinary environment, as well as how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community.
  
  

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
  
  

• A copy of the applicant's graduate transcript(s)
  
  

• A writing sample, preferably a job-market paper or other article.
  
  

• Three confidential letters of recommendation from scholars familiar with the applicant’s research.
  
  

 

Review of applications will begin on March 6, 2026; to receive full consideration applications should be received by that date.

 

For further information  contact:

 

Professor Rose McDermott, 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, Rose_Mcdermott@brown.edu

 

For information about the application process, please email:  Watson_Applications@brown.edu

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.