Research Fellow (CUSMX – Rule of Law)

Rice University•Houston, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Claudio X. González Center for the U.S. and Mexico (CUSMX) at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy is seeking a Research Fellow to lead a research agenda on U.S.-Mexico cooperation, security, and rule-of-law issues in Mexico and their implications for U.S.-Mexico relations. The Research Fellow will conduct original, policy-relevant research and translate findings into timely, analytically rigorous recommendations for diverse audiences. This role is for a scholar with deep expertise in Mexican institutions and the analytical ability to connect legal and governance developments to broader issues such as security, economic development, democratic accountability, investment climate, bilateral cooperation, and state capacity. The successful candidate will enhance the Center's intellectual leadership by producing high-quality research, engaging the public, and facilitating dialogue across policy and academic communities. The Baker Institute, founded in 1993, is a leading nonpartisan public-policy research organization at Rice University, known for its collaborative approach with experts from various sectors.

Requirements

Master's degree (or equivalent year-for-year relevant experience).
4+ years of relevant research experience (or equivalent year-for-year additional education).
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.

Nice To Haves

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 institutions, governance, law, corruption, judicial politics, security, or related rule-of-law topics.
Strong record of research, writing, and publication suitable for a policy institute, university, think tank, legal research center, or similar environment.
Strong Spanish-language proficiency, including the ability to conduct source review and, ideally, professional engagement in Spanish.
Experience engaging policymakers, legal practitioners, media, civil-society organizations, or private-sector stakeholders.
Familiarity with both academic and policy-oriented writing formats.
Experience with comparative or interdisciplinary research linking law, politics, economics, and security.
Established professional networks in Mexico and/or the bilateral policy community.
Experience designing public events, roundtables, or convenings tied to research themes.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an original research agenda focused on the rule of law in Mexico and its intersections with U.S.-Mexico relations.
Produce high-quality research outputs, including policy briefs, issue briefs, research papers, commentary, white papers, and related publications.
Analyze legal, judicial, institutional, and governance developments in Mexico, including their implications for security, corruption, investment, human rights, regulation, democratic governance, and bilateral cooperation.
Translate complex legal and institutional developments into clear public-policy recommendations for decision-makers and broader audiences.
Contribute to the Center's public profile through writing, speaking engagements, interviews, webinars, conferences, and stakeholder convenings.
Collaborate with Center leadership and other Baker Institute fellows and scholars on interdisciplinary projects.
Engage with academic, legal, policy, civil-society, and governmental stakeholders in the United States and Mexico.
Help identify emerging issues that warrant rapid analysis or public commentary.
Contribute substantively to grant development, donor-facing research framing, and strategic research planning when appropriate.
Mentor research assistants or junior staff supporting related projects, as needed.
Perform all other duties as assigned.