Research Fellow; CUSMX – Rule of Law

The Claudio X. González Center for the U.S. and Mexico at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy seeks a Research Fellow to develop and lead a research agenda on U.S.

-Mexicocooperation, security, and rule-of-law issues in Mexico and their implications for U.S.

-Mexico relations. Reporting to the Center Director, the Research Fellow will conduct original, policy-relevant research and translate findings into timely, analytically rigorous recommendations for audiences in government, academia, the private sector, media, and the broader public.

This position is intended for a scholar with deep subject-matter expertise in Mexican institutions and the analytical maturity to connect legal and governance developments to broader questions of security, economic development, democratic accountability, investment climate, bilateral cooperation, and state capacity. The successful candidate will strengthen the Center's intellectual leadership on Mexico by producing high-quality research, contributing to public engagement, and helping convene dialogue across policy and academic communities.

Founded in 1993, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy is one of the premier nonpartisan public-policy research organizations in the country. As an integral part of Rice University, the Baker Institute has a strong track record of achievement based on the work of its fellows, scholars, and staff. The institute collaborates with experts from academia, government, media, business, and nongovernmental and private organizations.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Employment may begin as early as January 1, 2027, but no later than July 1, 2027.

• Judicial institutions and the administration of justice in Mexico
• Corruption, impunity, and institutional accountability
• Organized crime, public security, and prosecutorial capacity
• Regulatory enforcement, administrative law, and state capacity
• Federalism, subnational governance, and institutional variation
• Rule of law and economic competitiveness, investment, and nearshoring
• Human rights, press freedom, and civic space
• Bilateral legal and institutional cooperation between Mexico and the United States

This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person on campus. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

$121,000 - $140,000 per year

* Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

• Master's degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• 4+ years of relevant research experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

• Profound expertise within the field of study
• Advanced mastery and extensive understanding of information, knowledge, and publication management
• Exceptional listening, verbal, written communication, and research skills
• Outstanding problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, with keen attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate effectively, participate actively, and motivate team members
• Exceptional organizational skills for effective planning and scheduling
• Comfort with and aptitude for making independent decisions

• Ph.D., J.D., S.J.D., LL.M., or another equivalent terminal degree in law, political science, public policy, sociology, international affairs, or a closely related field, with a substantial research record
• Demonstrated expertise in Mexican…