Research Director for Election Law Center; Research Faculty Visiting

Job Title:

Research Director for Election Law Center (Research Faculty I 12 Month Visiting)

Location:

Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Full/Part Time:
Full-Time

Job

Department:
College of Law

The Research Director of the College of Law Election Law Center will be responsible for conducting and overseeing the Center’s empirical and statistical research projects and preparing reports and articles to disseminate the results of this research to academic, governmental, and public audiences. The Director will be involved in developing methodologies for conducting the Center’s studies, obtaining the necessary data, and conducting rigorous statistical analysis.

The research the Director will oversee focuses on various election administration issues and legal questions relating to the electoral process. For example, the Center seeks to compare expert witness predictions concerning the likely impact of changes to election-related rules and procedures on metrics such as voter registration or turnout to the actual results of those legal provisions (when they are allowed to take effect).

This study will help determine the accuracy and reliability of various methodologies, models, data sets, and statistical techniques frequently employed in election-related litigation. Likewise, the Center seeks to update earlier studies concerning the accuracy of information contained within voter registration databases and the inclusion of ineligible registrants, particularly in light of the rise of automatic voter registration, online registration, and interstate systems facilitating the exchange of voter information among certain states.

From a qualitative perspective, the Center will also examine differences among states’ laws governing provisional ballots and canvassing.

Additionally, the Research Director will assist the Executive Director of the Election Law Center in cultivating and sustaining external and internal partnerships to advance the Center’s short-term and long-term goals.

A PhD in political science, mathematics, statistics, or economics is required. Applicants with PhDs in public administration, public policy, or related fields will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis if they have extensive training and experience with statistical analysis and empirical research.

Required Skills

• Background in quantitative and statistical analysis
• Strong research and writing skills
• A collaborative and solutions-focused mentality

Maureen Wagner Vinson

Executive Director of Election Law Center

Florida State University College of Law

Mwagner
3.edu

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking.

Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity.

At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses

Anticipated salary range: $110,000-negotiable, depending upon experience. This is a soft-money funded position, with renewal based on available funds and the needs of the College of Law and University.

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This is a Faculty position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.