Postdoc Research Associate - Political Science

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

2d

About The Position

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is hiring a short-term Postdoc Research Associate during the Spring 2026 semester to collaborate on the final stages of a book on policy analysis that is under contract with Oxford University Press (OUP). Responsibilities include researching and synthesizing literature relevant to the content of the chapters and an online companion to the book, writing original contributions to the book (such as vignettes, case studies, and exhibits), copyediting in accordance with OUP requirements, and other essential work such as cross-checking references, identifying copyright materials, and ensuring compliance with the OUP’s requirements and guidelines.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a field relevant to the position description
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of academic research and publication
• Knowledge of the public policy process focused on how policies are implemented and analyzed
• Practical experience with one or more policy areas
• Strong background in the use of Microsoft Office tools and other software, such as Adobe Acrobat
• Advanced knowledge related to Artificial Intelligence applications

Responsibilities

• researching and synthesizing literature relevant to the content of the chapters and an online companion to the book
• writing original contributions to the book (such as vignettes, case studies, and exhibits)
• copyediting in accordance with OUP requirements
• cross-checking references
• identifying copyright materials
• ensuring compliance with the OUP’s requirements and guidelines

Benefits

• comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees