Postdoctoral Fellow in International Development

Description

The Kellogg Institute at the University of Notre Dame invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in International Development. The position offers the opportunity to join a vibrant community of applied researchers with a strong record of publication and policy impact.

The successful candidate will produce empirical economic research to inform policymaking in low- and middle-income countries, with an aim to publish in high-quality academic journals (general interest and/or development). This is a project-linked position requiring a commitment of up to 50% of working time to a funded research project. The ideal candidate will be someone who pays attention to details and values rigor. There are no teaching responsibilities.

Post-docs are ordinarily appointed for one-year, but we expect funding for renewal up to 3 years. The position is open to a candidate who has recently earned a Ph.D. in Economics, Public Policy (or other quantitative interdisciplinary program relevant to this position). Command of applied econometrics methods is expected (e.g., survey methods, administrative data, quasi-experimental methods, etc.,) and so are written and verbal communication skills.

The successful candidate is expected to participate in the research activities of The Ford Program in Human Development Studies and Solidarity. For over 15 years, the Ford Family Program has been dedicated to research, teaching, and service that promotes integral human development, a holistic model of flourishing rooted in each person's human dignity and full potential. With the goal of understanding the challenges and aspirations of people living in extreme poverty around the developing world, the Program conducts and supports research that grows out of engagement with local communities. Ford Program research initiatives are conducted both with a variety of University of Notre Dame faculty and with local partners.

The Ford Program is situated within the Kellogg Institute, which has for over 40 years been a leading center for interdisciplinary research and programming on issues of democracy and human development. The Kellogg Institute is one of the principal constitutive units of the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs. Oriented toward research, teaching, and service dedicated to the advancement of integral human development, the Keough School promotes interdisciplinary research on critical issues in global affairs, offers a professional master’s degree and undergraduate degrees, and supports doctoral programs.

 

Application Instructions

The target start date for the position is Fall 2026, with some flexibility on the exact start date. Experience gained through this postdoctoral appointment prepares candidates for a range of professional outcomes, including faculty roles and specialized careers in policy think tanks and/or development organizations.

Please apply through Interfolio and feel free to reach out to Prof. Patrizio Piraino (ppiraino@nd.edu) if you have any questions.

We will interview candidates virtually starting from late-February 2026 but will keep the call open for submissions until the end of March 2026 (if the position is not filled before).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.

Background Check 

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.