Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Legal Exceptionalism

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

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!

This Postdoctoral Fellow position is being managed through a separate application system. We are sharing here to increase visibility and accessibility.  Apply here through July 24, 2026 if you are interested.  

The University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs invites applications for a one-to-two year postdoctoral research fellowship, commencing Fall 2026. We seek a talented scholar to work on a theory-generating project related to legal exceptionalism: territories and subjects that have special status and are exempt from the normal operation of the law in a given country (examples include diplomatic legal exemptions, special economic zones, territories with exceptional status, etc.). The successful candidate will build a dataset of cases of legal exceptionalism worldwide. There will also be the possibility of working on a South Asia-focused case study. 

The successful candidate will join the large community of political scientists at the Keough School of Global Affairs and in the Department of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame and will be expected to lead and collaborate on research as a member of Professor Susan Ostermann’s research team. This is not a remote role, with the exception of fellowship-related fieldwork. Half of the postdoctoral fellow’s time will be committed to research on the legal exceptionalism project, while the remainder will be devoted to the fellow’s own research and career advancement. Successful candidates will clearly identify in their application how their own research relates to the priority areas described above. The fellowship will be based in the Keough School, which promotes interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research on critical issues in global affairs, transformative educational programs, and partnerships for global engagement. The Keough School approaches global affairs and development through a focus on integrated human development, which is also central to the University of Notre Dame’s mission. The successful candidate will also be affiliated with Notre Dame’s Liu Institute for Asia / Asian Studies.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to our Catholic tradition, to maintain the excellence of the University, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives and ways of knowing and learning. The Keough School is committed to fostering a culture of diverse views and approaches to Global Affairs. We welcome candidates whose experience in teaching, research, or service has prepared them to contribute to our mission and commitment to diversity and excellence.

Applicants should have PhD in hand or expected immediately, a demonstrated ability to formulate and complete innovative and rigorous quantitative social science research projects, familiarity with qualitative approaches and training in comparative politics; area studies knowledge related to South Asia is desirable.

This role is accepting applications until July 24, 2026.

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.