Democracy and Public Policy

The Brooks School of Public Policy and the Department of Government (College of Arts and Sciences) at Cornell University invite applications for an open‑rank, open subfield search in Democracy and Public Policy. The position, to begin July1,2027, will be a joint appointment between the Brooks School and the Department of Government, with the tenure home in the Department of Government. Successful candidates will conduct research and teaching in democracy and public policy, including related topics such as democratic backsliding, competitive authoritarianism, democratic resistance and resilience, democratic futures, and international policy.

Courses will be taught at the graduate and undergraduate level, with teaching expectations determined in coordination between the Brooks School, the Government Department, and the candidate. Participation through service and governance in the research and teaching missions (including supervision of graduate and undergraduate research) of the School and Department is also expected.

Candidates must have a scholarly background and research interests in democracy and public policy, and the search is open to all subfields. A Ph.D. is required no later than July1,2027.

We will begin to review applications starting December
15,2026, and will continue until the search is complete.

Cornell has historical commitment to pursuing knowledge for “…any person…in any study”, and welcomes students, faculty and staff from all walks of life.

The Cornell JebE.Brooks School of Public Policy was established in 2021 to tackle the most pressing policy challenged we face in the U.S. and globally. To advance this goal, we are hiring world‑class research scholars across many disciplines who are oriented toward policy engagement and impact.

In compliance with New York’s Pay Transparency Law, the annual base salary range for this position is $90,000-$175,000.

Cornell University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

December
15,2026

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “…any person…any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section
503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9‑month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.