Portland Research Faculty Position

About the Opportunity 

The School of Public Policy at Northeastern University invites applications for an open-rank Research Faculty position on the Portland campus to support Community to Community (C2C), a new initiative at Northeastern University that is focused on conducting community engaged research with the goal of finding equitable solutions to local policy problems. The C2C team plays a key role in helping create partnerships between researchers and policymakers (city departments, state agencies, and community-based organizations) to co-create data-driven policy analysis, co-design and implement policy solutions, and iterate on program evaluation and development to move the needle on society’s most pressing policy issues (Visit C2C homepage to learn more).  

The ideal candidate will contribute to our applied research and experiential mission, with research that focuses on public policy issues. We are particularly interested in candidates able to form research-practice partnerships in local, national, and international settings to produce impactful policy-relevant analysis. This may involve working closely with and contributing to our existing research centers on the Portland campus that are engaged in related work including the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics Center, the Network Science Institute, and the Institute for Experiential AI. We are particularly interested in scholars working in applied policy areas such as affordable housing, education, public health, regional economic development, transportation, and workforce development. We encourage applications from candidates whose work advances concerns around racial justice and equity within the above areas of interest, with practice experience working on issues facing smaller cities and rural areas in Maine.  

The successful candidate will be appointed as a non-tenure track research faculty member in the School of Public Policy. They will report to the Director of the School in their role as a faculty member, but their primary supervisory relationships and commitments will be within the C2C initiative’s research programs. Research faculty members are appointed to the professorial rank (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor) commensurate with their experience and credentials. This position is funded for the first two years with the expectation that the Research Professor will develop a robust research portfolio during that period. Upon the recommendations of the unit head and with the approval the dean, renewals of research faculty appointments may be made for a period of up to three years, concurrent with the current expected duration of outside funding. The position will be located on our Portland campus with the option to negotiate a hybrid work schedule. The anticipated start would occur sometime between September 1 and December 31, 2024.  

Responsibilities 

The Research Faculty member will be responsible for building an independent research program, aligned with the C2C mission of finding equitable solution to  local policy problems. They will be a key contributor to the university’s applied research and experiential mission. Core responsibilities will include: 

• Developing research-practice partnerships with city departments, state agencies, and community based organizations to co-create a research agenda with the goal of changing a policy or practice to improve equity. 

• Conducting applied research and co-creating data driven policy analysis in one or more topics areas of considerable scope and complexity to have societal impact on one or more intractable policy problems.  

• Preparing grant proposals and obtaining external funds for C2C research projects to co-design and implement policy interventions as well as evaluate their effectiveness using rigorous research methods. 

• Disseminating research findings in both peer-reviewed journals and public policy formats (e.g., white papers, agency reports, policy briefs, blogs). 

• Presenting to external audiences at both academic conferences as well as public policy forums (e.g., policy briefings, practitioner meetings, webinars). 

• Building strong ties with interdisciplinary collaborators within the university and actively engaging/supporting these groups in the C2C research program. 

• Supervising C2C research staff including post-doctoral and master’s students by providing mentorship and research opportunities.  

• Participating in strategic planning to grow the C2C Portland presence over time.  

• Depending on the candidate’s areas of expertise and professional interests, there is the possibility of teaching one course per year.  

Qualifications 

Qualifications include Ph.D. (received or expected by July 2023) in Economics, Public Policy, Sociology or a related social science discipline. Candidates should have strong evidence of a commitment to research with an interdisciplinary focus and a demonstrated interest in public policy issues with a high potential for impact. A demonstrated track record of scholarly achievement in relevant areas of public policy or applied social science research with commensurate publication and research funding history, appropriate for appointment rank, is essential. The ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary research teams and build long-term relationships with external partners is equally as important. Candidates must also have experience working as a member of a team and excellent communication skills across diverse audiences and settings. Individuals who are entrepreneurial, energetic, and able to work in a fast-paced and innovative setting will thrive in this position. Those who also have experience working in a public policy research setting are preferred. 

Documents to Submit 

To apply please submit the following: 

• a cover letter, highlighting research interests, research and policy accomplishments and relevant professional experience; 

• a curriculum vitae, including a list of both academic and non-academic publications as well as external funding; 

• a research summary (2-3 pages) describing an ambitious plan for the C2C research program that aims to find equitable solutions to local policy problems; 

• a diversity, equity and inclusion statement, including plans to create and maintain a diverse and inclusive environment, and if relevant, any research that addresses themes of gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity; 

• the names and contact information of at least three references. Candidates will be notified before their references are contacted.  

Additional Information 

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity. 

How to Apply 

An application link will be provided shortly. For inquiries, please contact c2c-impact@northeastern.edu.