Position Description

Position Summary
 
Work Performed
 
Qualifications
A successful candidate will have a PhD in political science, public policy, or a related field. The degree must be conferred by the start of the position. Applicants should have received their PhD no more than two years prior.
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Additional Information

Professor Mallory SoRelle (PI) invites applications for a one-year position for a postdoctoral associate with interest in the political economy of financial technology (fintech). The postdoctoral associate will contribute to research and mentoring as part of the PIs Financial Innovation & Inclusion Lab (FinLab). FinLab conducts cutting-edge research on emerging fintech products and services that are targeted particularly toward those facing financial hardship and short-term liquidity problems. Research focuses in particular on the political conditions and consequences of emerging regulation of fintech markets and individual level political consequences of fintech use.

The primary responsibilities for this position include:

1)      Collaborating with the PI on a grant-funded, faculty-led research project exploring the use, regulation, and political consequences of emerging fintech products like earned wage access, digital buy-now-pay-later, and peer-2-peer payment and lending apps

2)      Co-mentoring undergraduate research assistants as part of FinLab, and helping to lead a hands-on lab as part of a related course during one semester of the position term

 Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated research interest and experience in political and policy analysis of consumer credit and debt and/or consumer financial regulation in the United States. Preferred methodological skills include statistical analysis of survey and other large-n data, qualitative interviews, and/or text analysis and machine learning skills. Familiarity with fintech is a plus.

(see above)

The postdoctoral associate will report directly to the PI, Mallory SoRelle. For additional questions about the position, please reach out to her at mallory.sorelle@duke.edu.

Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter describing their interest in the position and relevant research experience and skills, and the names of three references (no letter at this time).

 Review of applications will begin on March 4^th, 2026 and continue until a candidate is hired.

This is a full-time position for a one-year term. The expected start date is between July 15 and September 1, 2026. The salary for this position is $65,000, and the postdoctoral associate will also receive funds to facilitate participation in two domestic conferences. Duke University also offers a competitive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement contributions, employee discounts, vacation and sick time, and more. Please review the Summary of Postdoctoral Status and Benefits for more information. Fellows are additionally supported by the Office of Postdoctoral Services.

While residence in Durham is strongly preferred, remote work may be considered if candidate has demonstrated capacity to complete collaborative research and mentoring tasks remotely and resides in states where Duke University is authorized to employ remote workers. If you are interested primarily in remote work, please note that in your cover letter.

Please note: this position is conditional on continued receipt of federal grant funds.