STARCK LAB
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Postdoctoral fellows joining the Starck Lab will contribute to one of two research areas.
The Diversity Rationales area identifies precursors to and consequences of various reasons people and organizations provide for why it is important to value diversity. Examining why people and organizations purport to value diversity can illuminate how racial inequality is ironically perpetuated even amidst a widespread commitment to diversity. In this work, we distinguish between rationales for diversity that are instrumental (i.e., embracing diversity for the benefits it can provide) versus moral (i.e., embracing diversity due to intrinsic values or principles). We explore the factors that make these rationales more or less appealing to different groups of people and more or less effective at directly bringing about more racially equitable outcomes. Fellows focusing in this area will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of ongoing projects on this topic, as well as to develop novel projects. A strong foundation in social psychology, intergroup relations, and experimental methods is required. Expertise in moral psychology, education, and/or organizational research is beneficial.
The Anti-Racist Training & Education area seeks to evaluate the impact of anti-racist social justice education. Many models of personal and social change take raising awareness of the issue as a starting place, yet we still have much to learn about how coming to perceive racism as a systemic issue might affect majority and minority group members’ support for antiracist policies, sociopolitical engagement, social perceptions, mental health, and understanding of themselves. What are the positive and negative outcomes associated with providing this sort of education, and what tactics can be utilized to maximize the benefits while managing the downsides such an education might provide? We have partnered with an antiracist training organization to implement a pilot field study with a large school district focused on evaluating the impact of a 30 day antiracism training focused on the structural, institutional, and historical aspects of racism (as opposed to an individualized approach to racism), and we are looking to follow that up with a combination of lab and field studies. A strong foundation in social psychology, intergroup relations, and experimental methods is required. Expertise in field experiments, managing community partners, longitudinal methods, and education research is beneficial.
Post-doctoral fellows should have experience with designing and carrying out new research, quantitative data analysis, communicating results with partners, and preparing manuscripts for publication. Experience with multiple methodological approaches is a plus. Ideal candidates will be able to manage and efficiently advance multiple projects at various stages and to apply and pursue their own theoretical insights. Fellows are also expected to be good lab citizens, having a physical presence in the lab and working with team members in a variety of roles and career phases.
ELIGIBILITY
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Psychology or related field with significant training in quantitative, experimental social psychology. If the Ph.D. is not yet complete, candidates must be completing their dissertation with graduation expected by the end of Summer 2023.
Successful candidates will have demonstrable skills in advancing psychological research from conceptualization to publication.
Candidates should also be able to demonstrate: the ability to work well and thrive in an array of complex environments, under changing conditions, and with people from a range of diverse professional and personal backgrounds; a passion for the issues under study in the lab; excellent written, visual, and oral communications skills.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Fellows will receive competitive compensation, standard employee benefits, and will have research and travel funding.
Fellows will have office space and access to university facilities.
The expected base pay for this position is $70,300.
Stanford University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce. It welcomes applications from women, members of minority groups, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring additional dimensions to the university's research and teaching mission.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application materials should be submitted using the link below. Applications not submitted through this link will not be considered.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Finalists will be invited to a Zoom (i.e., remote) interview.
Applicants will be notified of the fellowship outcome in the spring.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Please prepare the following materials to be submitted using the online form linked below. Applicants will also be asked to provide contact and background information, and contact information for 2 references.
A cover letter (detailing the candidate’s interest in the position, how those interests would be advanced by the fellowship, and future career goals; 2 pages max)
Curriculum vitae
Research statement (3 pages max)
Representative manuscript (for a writing sample)
Optional additional writing sample
Optional diversity statement (2 pages max)
Unofficial transcript
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which fields of study are eligible for consideration?
Scholars with graduate study in Psychology or related fields and significant training in quantitative, experimental social psychology will receive highest priority. Candidates must have received their terminal degree (Ph.D.) before the start of the fellowship in the Fall of 2023.
Are fellows expected to be on-campus?
Fellows are required to live in the Bay Area for the entire duration of their appointments. While they may work a hybrid schedule, fellows will be expected to be active participants in the lab, including attending regular in-person meetings and events. They will also benefit from engaging in the intellectual life of the social area, the Psychology Department, and connecting with other relevant centers, institutes, and programs throughout the Stanford community.
What types of representative manuscripts are acceptable for the writing sample?
Please use the following guidelines:
First or co-first authored articles, dissertation chapters, or book chapters are preferred. Second or third co-author of an article, dissertation, or book chapter is acceptable.
Submit the piece in its entirety.