Prof. Brandon L. Garrett invites applications for a one-year, Criminal Justice Research and Policy Post-Doctoral Fellowship, with the possibility for an additional one-year extension. This fellowship is intended for individuals with a doctoral degree (JD, PhD, MD, DPhil) who are interested in an academic or policy career working on issues in science and law, with a particular interest in studying data and outcomes in the criminal justice system.  Projects may include research on state sentencing data, mental health diversion, drug treatment, eyewitness memory, scientific evidence in the courtroom, and the use of risk assessment in criminal cases.  The fellow will take part in the work of the JustScience Lab at Duke Law School, which conducts empirical criminal justice research, and work with the Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke.

The Fellowship Experience

Mentored research opportunities. The postdoctoral research fellow will work closely with Prof. Brandon Garrett and other faculty mentors at Duke University to conduct research at the intersection of science, law, and criminal justice policy. The fellow will also obtain knowledge and skills necessary to obtain competitive research funding, in preparation for a successful career.

Project management and leadership experience. The postdoctoral research fellow will be in charge of coordinating and leading research projects focusing on criminal justice data and outcomes, including in North Carolina. The fellow, along with the team of post-docs and grad students, will help with coordinating and leading weekly JustScience Lab team meetings, and engaging with the broader Duke community as well as outside government and community stakeholders to foster research collaborations. The fellow will collaborate, supervise, and mentor undergraduates, graduates, and other post-docs working with these projects.

Educational opportunities. The fellow will have access to relevant law school and Duke University events and seminars.

Fellowship Responsibilities

• Complete at least one mentored research project which culminates in a manuscript of publishable quality

• Participate in science, law, and criminal justice policy conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate

• Support the policy work of the JustScience Lab and related research projects, including by participating in education and engagement opportunities, such as presentations and meetings with lawmakers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and policy reform coalition members

• Help plan and implement workshops and events within and outside of the Duke and local communities.

Qualifications

Must have a JD, PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in computer science, economics, neuroscience, political science, psychology, statistics, sociology, criminal justice or a field deemed relevant by the program. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills and must be able to work in collaborative, team-oriented environments. Substantial experience with statistical methods is highly desirable, as well as experience with programming and analyses of complex datasets.  Experience with social science research methods, including survey methods, quantitative and qualitative research, and/or policy research is also desirable. Familiarity with criminal justice-related data is also preferred.

Applicants should submit a statement that describes: How have you addressed values of equity, diversity, inclusion in the past, and how do you see yourself advancing them in this position?

Applications must be received no later than December 31, 2021. Fellows will be chosen based on demonstrated academic merit, likelihood of future success in academia or science policy, and on strength of their research proposals. Decisions expected by January 31, 2022.

In addition to applying through AcademicJobsOnline.org, interested applicants may forward application materials to Prof. Brandon Garrett at bgarrett@law.duke.edu. The subject line of the email application should read “Application 2022 Post-Doctoral Fellowship”.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.