Position Description

Position Summary:

Professor Kenneth Dodge at the Sanford School of Public Policy seeks a postdoctoral research scientist to join him in conducting studies of early childhood development, prevention of violent behavior and early childhood interventions, their impact, and their mechanisms. These studies are funded by federally grants. This position is ideal for a scholar who aspires to an independent faculty position after several years.

The research scientist will work closely with colleagues from the Duke Center for Child and Family Policy (CCFP). The Center, established in 1999 under the leadership of Dr. Dodge, pursues science-based solutions to important problems affecting today’s children and families.

This position is a full-time two-year appointment beginning July 1, 2026. 

Responsibilities:

·         Coordinate research design, data gathering, and analysis for research projects.

·         Co-author manuscripts for publication.

·         Participate in the implementation of research grants as needed.

·         Participate in the development of new grants.

·         Serve as “point of contact” for relevant research aides, program coordinators, and research analysts as required.

Position Qualifications

Required

·         Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (e.g. psychology, public policy, economics, sociology)

·         Advanced data analysis skills, including management of large data sets

·         Superior oral and written communication skills

·        Candidates for this position should be comfortable working in a team environment, able to work under pressure, and able to juggle multiple projects smoothly.

Preferred

·         Knowledge of the Duke community

·         Strong interest in learning about best practices in early childhood development

Send a vita, brief description of research interests, and names of three potential recommenders to Kenneth Dodge before February 28, 2026, at dodge@duke.edu.

Salary is commensurate with experience.