IRiSS Predoctoral Researcher

IRiSS Predoctoral Researcher School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford, California, United States This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze. The School of Humanities and Sciences is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world‑renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day. Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) Expanding access to novel data sources, the development of powerful computing tools, and innovation in quantitative and qualitative research methods are opening a new frontier for social scientists to explore bold, inventive research questions. In this era of burgeoning social‑science research, IRiSS facilitates first‑rate interdisciplinary collaborations, trains the next generation of scholars, and incubates medium‑ to long‑term research projects to address critical social challenges. IRiSS ensures that world‑class, evidence‑based research is produced to meet evolving problems in areas of governance and democracy, economic inequality, immigration policy, and other social issues that affect communities across the globe. IRiSS Predoctoral Researchers Program The Predoctoral Researchers Program at IRiSS aims to expand research capacity in the social sciences, strengthen the pool of scholars, and provide opportunities through mentorship of new research scholars. It provides early‑career scholars an opportunity to work directly with a faculty mentor to contribute to cutting‑edge social science research. During predoctoral research, scholars develop research skills, explore academic careers, and network with a multidisciplinary community of scholars. The goal is to enhance capacity to succeed in academia and social science research. Position Summary IRiSS is seeking Predoctoral Researchers to participate in our 2026‑2027 cohort. Researchers will work under the general supervision of an individual faculty mentor in one of the following social science departments: communication, economics, political science, psychology, or sociology. Predoctoral Researchers are in a staff category allowing enrollment in one course per year for credit. This is a 100% FTE one‑year fixed‑term non‑exempt position, with possibility of renewal for a second year based on renewed funding. The start date is September 14, 2026. The position will be based on the Stanford campus. Project Description David Grusky, Building a Homelessness Policy Engine What would it take to make homelessness policy a full‑on success story? The conventional answer is partly correct: we need more research on the payoffs to competing homelessness programs. This standard‑playbook call is right, but not enough. We must also establish a straightforward process for converting evidence into evidence‑based policy. If we don’t strengthen this conversion process, we risk people believing evidence is useless because policy isn’t based on it. The twofold purpose of this project is (a) to build a “policy engine” that assists local policymakers in converting evidence into policy consistent with local conditions and objectives, and (b) to use our access to key administrative data to fill gaps in evidence on homelessness that must first be filled to build a credible policy engine. The predoc will be tasked with programming and statistical analysis of linked administrative data on homelessness (drawing on the full playbook of quasi‑experimental approaches to program evaluation). The goal is to address key remaining gaps in evidence on homelessness that must be filled to make evidence‑based policy viable at the local level. Core Duties Participate in planning and conducting research tasks by applying basic knowledge of scientific theory and methods. Interpret study results in collaboration with the supervisor or principal investigator. Develop and administer survey instruments and rating scales, analyze and summarize results for review, and audit data accuracy and validity. Review and audit case report forms for completion and accuracy with source documents and ensure compliance with research protocols. Identify, select, extract, and summarize data and structured information. Present summary of findings to supervisor. Conduct literature searches, write literature summaries and manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines conceptual approach. Build and organize data as requested, using common statistical programs and applying job control language to generate and organize data. Adapt new, non‑standard methods outlined by the supervisor in designing and evaluating research project phases (e.g., educational materials, questionnaires, recruitment strategies, data quality control procedures). Follow up to ensure approvals and completion, seeking guidance as needed. Assist with development, communication, and design of research findings to internal and external audiences, which may include web updates, social media, and white papers, with guidance from supervisor. Other duties may also be assigned. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in an applicable life science, social science, physical science, or similar discipline. Degree must be received or expected no later than June 2026. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities General understanding of scientific theory and methods, typically gained through an undergraduate degree in a related field. General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs. Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance. Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to work with study participants. Preferred Requirements The ability to work independently and as a member of a research team. The ability to take initiative and see projects through to completion. Interest in and enthusiasm for pursuing graduate studies or a career in social science research. How to Apply Please ensure the file names of uploaded documents include your name: e.g. “LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_CV.pdf.” Submit the following via the Stanford Careers website: Curriculum Vitae (CV or résumé), including the names and contact information for two recommenders. College transcript(s). Cover letter. Optional writing sample. Optional background information. IRiSS is committed to building a diverse and inclusive research community. We actively recruit and mentor researchers who bring a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to our academic disciplines. If you would like to share additional information about your background, perspectives, or experiences, please attach it as a separate document. Please ensure your contact information is entered correctly in the application form. Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 Compensation The expected pay range for this position is $32.45 per hour. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs. Benefits At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process. Why Stanford is for You Freedom to grow . We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak. A caring culture . We provide superb retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources. A healthier you . Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world‑class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits. Discovery and fun . Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. Enviable resources . Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Additional Information Schedule: Full‑time Job Code: 4270 Employee Status: Fixed‑Term Grade: E Requisition ID: 108633 Work Arrangement: On Site #J-18808-Ljbffr Stanford University