Postdoctoral Associate, Center for Racial Justice and Equitable Futures

The Center for Racial Justice and Equitable Futures (RJEF) is Cornell's hub for research and engagement towards a more just world for all. RJEF is a university wide center focused on three core pillars: faculty, students, and community. Through supporting research, facilitating community partnerships, and advancing specific initiatives around issues of urgent importance, RJEF leverages the knowledge and capacities of Cornell faculty, students, and staff to positively impact the world.

Position Summary: The Center for Racial Justice and Equitable Futures at Cornell University is seeking an independent and highly motivated postdoctoral associate to conduct collaborative research on topics that have the potential to inform visions of just futures, where all people can thrive. We are seeking applicants who can conduct research with multidisciplinary teams—especially those eager to collaborate with faculty in the social sciences and humanities. The candidate will be expected to work on projects with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates from across the university, as well as with community partners. This position will begin as a one-year appointment, starting August 1, 2025 (start date negotiable). However, our hope is to find a candidate who is interested in continuing beyond the initial year. Reappointment is possible for an additional year, contingent upon available funding resources, available work, the candidate’s successful performance. The position will be based in Ithaca, NY. The candidate will have ample opportunities to attend seminars and workshops hosted by world-renowned faculty across the Cornell University Ithaca Campus; there will also be opportunities to connect with faculty on Cornell’s New York City campuses: Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell Tech.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral associate will be tasked with helping to conduct research for center-based projects that cover a wide range of topics. Research related tasks may include (but are not limited to):

• Producing research synopses and literature reviews for center-based research projects.
• Supporting data collection and management efforts for center-based projects.
• Analyzing data and producing reports, policy briefs, and other public writing for broader dissemination.
• Developing infographics and other visualization tools to share ideas and findings.
• Conducting archival and other kinds of qualitative research.

In addition to research activities, the RJEF postdoctoral associate will be expected to broadly engage in center initiatives and projects including (but not limited to):

• Attending center events.
• Working with undergraduate and graduate racial justice fellows.
• Working with closely RJEF community and faculty partners.
• Organizing and/or leading occasional topically focused reading groups, seminars, and similar activities.

Required Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. by the start of the appointment. We especially welcome applicants from the humanities and social sciences. In addition to strong research skills, candidates should also have excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. This position does not require teaching.

Supervision Exercised

The postdoctoral associate will be directly supervised by Drs. Neil Lewis, Jr. (Associate Director) & Jamila Michener (Director)—both supervisors will meet with the postdoctoral associate regularly. In addition, the postdoctoral associate will be supported in connecting and collaborating with members of the center’s advisory team as well as faculty members across the Cornell campus. 

Benefits: The salary for appointments in the 2025–2026 academic year will be $80,000 plus full Cornell University employee benefits.

How to apply:

If you are a current Cornell employee, please apply using this link: https://www.myworkday.com/cornell/d/inst/15$392530/9925$94331.htmld

If you are not a current Cornell employee, please apply using this link: https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CornellCareerPage/job/Ithaca-Main-Campus/Postdoctoral-Associate--Center-f