Research Director

Position Details

Position Information

Posting date

08/27/2026

Closing date

Open Until Filled Yes

Position Number

1129696

Position Title

Research Director

Hiring Range Minimum

$22.35

Hiring Range Maximum

$27.94

Union Type

Not a Union Position

SEIU Level

Not an SEIU Position

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Employment Category

Regular Full Time w/end date

Scheduled Months per Year

12

Scheduled Hours per Week

40

Schedule Location of Position

Hanover, NH

Remote Work Eligibility?

Onsite only

Is this a term position?

Yes

If yes, length of term in months.

12

Is this a grant funded position?

Yes

Position Purpose

To manage the research operations of the Polarization Research Lab.

Description

The Polarization Research Lab ( PRL ) led by Associate Professor of Government Sean Westwood is seeking a Research Director. PRL is a cross-university social science research lab founded in 2022. Our work examines democratic attitudes, political trust, elite rhetoric, and governance. We combine rigorous survey research, experimental methods, and public engagement to produce findings that inform scholars, policymakers, journalists, and the public.

We are seeking a Research Director to manage the lab’s research pipeline from developing new research projects and survey instruments through data analysis and writing. This person will also help manage and mentor our postdoctoral and predoctoral researchers, ensuring the team runs smoothly and produces rigorous, timely work. We’re looking for a strong quantitative researcher, a clear writer, and a good collaborator.

The Research Director will have the chance to co-author (and lead) papers and work on scientific projects with researchers from institutions around the world. While the majority of the time will be dedicated to collaborative lab projects, there will be opportunity (and space on the lab’s survey instrument) to develop related independent research.

Dartmouth is committed to academic excellence and encourages the open exchange of ideas within a culture of mutual respect. People with different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives make the Dartmouth community diverse, which enhances academic excellence.

Required Qualifications
- Education and Yrs Exp

PhD plus 1-2 year(s) of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications
- Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• Ph.D. in Political Science, Economics, Statistics, or Computer Science.
• Advanced statistical and AI skills; substantial experience with writing code.
• Strong writing experience, with a preference for a track record of peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Experience managing complex research projects.
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach, with the ability to support and mentor junior researchers.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience managing or mentoring postdocs or predocs.
• Experience with large-scale surveys or panel studies.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries

Sean Westwood

Department Contact Phone Number

Sean.

J.Westwood

Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title

Sean Westwood, Associate Professor of Government

Department Contact's Phone Number

Sean.

J.Westwood

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Background Check

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history,…