Postdoctoral Associate at Yale University

About the Position

The Identity & Conflict Lab (ICL) at Yale University, based at the MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position for the 2026–2027 academic year. Directed by Professor Nicholas Sambanis, the ICL examines how identities shape behaviour, how conflict transforms identities, and how interventions can reduce inter-group tensions. This is a full-time, one-year residential postdoctoral fellowship beginning on 1 July 2026, with the possibility of renewal. The selected scholar will contribute to research projects on immigration or foreign policy while also pursuing their own independent work. With a focus on both violent and non-violent forms of conflict—from bias and protest to ethnic violence and war—this role offers a unique opportunity to advance interdisciplinary research at the intersection of political science, sociology, and policy studies.

Position Details

Position: Postdoctoral Associate
Institution: Yale University
Department: MacMillan Center – Identity & Conflict Lab
Research Field: Political Science, Sociology, Conflict Studies, International Relations
Location: Connecticut, United States
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral (residential, 1 year, renewable)
Start Date (Anticipated): 1 July 2026
Working Hours: Full-time, with 3 days/week on ICL projects
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience (per Yale policy), includes benefits
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Inter-group conflict and identity politics
Immigration and foreign policy
Violent and non-violent conflict: bias, discrimination, protest, ethnic violence, secessionism, war
Policy interventions to reduce inter-group conflict

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD (earned after June 2024 or expected by June 2026)
Proficiency in Stata and R
Experience with survey programming in Qualtrics

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong organisational, communication, and data analysis skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects
Intellectual curiosity and ambition for interdisciplinary research

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate on ICL projects under Professor Nicholas Sambanis’ direction
Contribute to projects on immigration or foreign policy
Conduct advanced data analysis across social and behavioural sciences
Pursue independent research alongside ICL commitments
Participate in lab activities, with no formal teaching requirement

Application Process

How to Apply: Submit applications through Interfolio at the link below.

Required Documents:

Cover letter
CV/Resume
One-page research statement
Writing sample
Unofficial PhD transcript (for current graduate students only)
Names and emails of two references (letters requested for shortlisted candidates only)