Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Africa Initiative at Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University, 2025-2027

As part of a broader commitment to develop its programmatic focus on Africa, the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University seeks to appoint a postdoctoral research associate who will participate actively in the Africa Initiative. Broadly, the Watson Institute aspires to promote a just and peaceful world through research, teaching, and public engagement. The Africa Initiative postdoctoral research associate will contribute to this core mission with a specific focus on Africa. A main aim is to galvanize the careers of young social scientists conducting research in Africa related to the Institute’s three core thematic areas: development, governance, and security. Participants in this program will join an interdisciplinary community of scholars engaged in theoretically and substantively important research addressing the most pressing global issues of our time. This is a one-year renewable position, for a maximum of two years, with the expectation that postdoctoral research associate will pursue research and participate fully in the intellectual life of the Africa Initiative and the Institute. PDRAs will also teach one course per year in the Institute or in an affiliated Brown University social science department. The Watson Institute is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

The competition is open to candidates from the social sciences, including anthropology, economics, history, political science, and sociology. The selection process is open with regard to nationality. Candidates from or located in Africa are strongly encouraged to apply. Scholars who have received their PhDs within three years of the application deadline are eligible to apply. Postdoctoral research associates will receive an annual stipend of $75,000, for this benefits-eligible position. Additional funding will be made available for research expenses and research-related programming on campus. Candidates selected for postdoctoral fellow positions who have not completed their dissertations by July 1, 2025, will be paid a reduced salary and appointed as a research associate until their dissertation is defended.

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