Postdoctoral Scholar in Migration and Democracy

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Applicants must apply through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/182135. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. This position is posted on the Notre Dame Careers website for visibility purposes only. 

The Klau Institute for Civil and Human Rights in the Keough School of Global Affairs invites applications for a one-year Postdoctoral Scholar position, with the possibility of renewal up to a total of two years based on performance and funding availability. This is a full-time, in-person position based at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026.

As part of the broader poverty and migration initiatives, this position is designed for a promising scholar with strong data skills who will work directly with Dr. Alexander Kustov, Associate Professor of Migration, on an ongoing research program that is aimed at identifying politically sustainable immigration policies. This program at the intersection of migration and poverty builds on Dr. Kustov’s recent book, In Our Interest: How Democracies Can Make Immigration Popular, which examines under what conditions most people would accept freer immigration.

Using original surveys, experiments, administrative and policy data, and comparative case studies, the program examines how governments and other actors can expand regular migration pathways in ways that are demonstrably beneficial while minimizing public backlash. The postdoctoral researcher will lead components of this research agenda by combining survey and administrative data, refining and testing new research questions and hypotheses, and helping to translate findings into accessible outputs for academic, policy, and broader public audiences. The successful candidate will commit at least 60% of their time to this collaborative research program. The remaining 40% can be devoted to furthering their own research agenda, ideally on related themes of migration, public opinion, poverty, and democratic governance.

Responsibilities will be primarily research-focused and include: 

• Collaborating on the research program, including literature review and data analysis. 

• Collecting, managing, and analyzing relevant survey and administrative data.

• Conducting and publishing high-quality research and preparing grant proposals in close collaboration with and under the guidance of Dr. Kustov.

• Helping to synthesize and communicate research findings in formats suitable for policy and broader public audiences (e.g., in policy briefs and short explainers). 

• Participating in regular project meetings with Dr. Kustov.

• Participating in the broader intellectual life of the Klau Institute for Civil and Human Rights, Keough School of Global Affairs, and the University of Notre Dame.

• Dedicating time to personal research as part of the position.

Applicants must apply through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/182135. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. This position is posted on the Notre Dame Careers website for visibility purposes only. 

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.