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Postdoctoral Research Opportunity – Culture Collaboratory and the Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity Center (RISE)

February 2, 2026

The Culture Collaboratory and the Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity Center (RISE), directed by Dr. Stephanie Fryberg, invite applications for a postdoctoral scholar to join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team focused on culture, education, identity, equity, stereotyping/prejudice, and narrative change. The scholar will work with a dynamic group of scholars committed to understanding how social and cultural contexts produce unequal outcomes and contribute to cutting-edge research that promotes equity and well-being for all.

Our team involves two main branches of research. The Culture Collaboratory branch examines how cultural contexts shape identity development, educational outcomes, and responses to adversity across settings such as schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems. The RISE branch investigates various topics related to stereotyping and prejudice, such as the contemporary omission and misrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples, and its implications for individual and societal functioning. The applicant will work with both branches to support shared research goals. The ideal candidate would have interests spanning education, culture, and stereotyping/prejudice topics.

Our research uses a range of methods, including survey, field, and laboratory studies, and is supported by funding from organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Raikes Foundation, Bezos Family Foundation, and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. We aim to advance both theory and practice by developing research that addresses systemic inequities and supports meaningful social change.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Examining identity threat, belonging, motivation, and performance across educational and organizational contexts
  • Designing and evaluating culturally responsive interventions to foster inclusion and reduce disparities
  • Evaluating how stereotyping and prejudice (e.g., contemporary omission and misrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples) affect individual and societal functioning (e.g., well-being, collective action, climate justice, perceived threats, violence against women, cultural identity, tribal equity, policy outcomes, etc.)
  • Developing partnerships with school districts, Native communities, nonprofits, and other organizations to ensure our research is responsive to ongoing needs and has tangible impacts

We welcome applicants from interdisciplinary backgrounds with strong training in social and cultural psychology, excellent methodological and statistical skills (both quantitative and qualitative), and mastery of written and oral communication skills. Applicants should be passionate about using psychological science to address educational and social inequality and enjoy collaborative, team-based research and mentoring. Knowledge of or experience working with Indigenous communities, topics, and/or issues are an added benefit.

This is an on-site position based in Evanston, IL.

Effort. Appointment: The initial appointment will be made at 100% time (70% research, 20% mentoring, 10% professional activity) for 1 year. This will be a 12-month position with the potential for renewal for subsequent years.

Qualifications:

  • PhD in Social Psychology, Sociology, Educational Psychology, or a related field
  • Strong background in cultural and social psychology
  • Proficiency in diverse quantitative (e.g., regression analysis, multilevel modeling, path analysis, factor analysis) and qualitative (e.g., interview data collection and analysis) methodological and analysis approaches
  • Demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in social or educational contexts
  • Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team
  • Knowledge of multiple statistical analysis programs (R preferred; SPSS, Mplus)
  • Strong communication and leadership skills
  • Evidence of strong scientific writing skills (e.g., academic publications)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience or demonstrated potential in securing external research grants
  • Previous work with Indigenous communities, school districts, or other culturally diverse organizations
  • Experience collecting data in K-12 educational settings (e.g., from teachers, students, and parents)

Responsibilities:

  1. General Project Management Activities
    1. Supervising and coordinating ongoing grant activities, including data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings
    2. Reporting project progress and findings to funders
    3. Foster collaborative relationships with educators, administrators, tribal leaders, and other practice partners
    4. Contribute to the development of grant proposals to support ongoing and future research efforts
  2. Advancing Existing Research and Developing New Research
    1. Design, implement, and summarize complex statistical analyses to evaluate study outcomes and assess intervention effectiveness
    2. Develop and evaluate interventions aimed at fostering cultural inclusion, equity, and belonging across diverse contexts
    3. Designing new survey, laboratory and field studies supporting current research priorities
  3. Communicating with Diverse Lay and Scientific Audiences
    1. Build and maintain relationships with practice partners, including school districts, community organizations, and Native tribes
    2. Represent the research team during site visits by facilitating data collection, delivering workshops, and presenting findings to non-expert audiences
    3. Disseminate findings at professional organization meetings
    4. Present research proposals and outcomes to potential funders
  4. Mentoring and Supervising Junior Scholars
    1. Collaborating with senior lab members, other postdoctoral scholars, and advanced graduate students
    2. Mentoring graduate students
    3. Supervising and guiding project coordinators
    4. Participating in weekly lab meetings

Application Deadline:

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

How to Apply:

To apply, please email a cover letter addressed to the RISE Research Director, Dr. Kristina Chamberlin, at kristina.chamberlin@northwestern.edu. Please highlight your specific interest in the position and detail your relevant skills and experiences. Ensure that the cover letter is attached as the first page of your CV or resume. Three letters of recommendation will be requested at a later stage in the selection process.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.