Fellow in Religion and Public Policy

Special Instruction to Applicants :

Applications will be accepted until September 1, 2022, and reviewed on a rolling basis. Employment may begin no later than June 30, 2023.

Qualified applicants should submit a CV, a cover letter regarding relevant experience, and names of references.
For further questions about the position, contact the search co-chairs:

William Martin, Ph.D., Director
Religion and Public Policy Program
wcm@rice.edu

Elaine Howard Ecklund, Ph.D.
Baker Institute Faculty Scholar
ehe@rice.edu

Salary

Competitive, commensurate with applicant's qualifications and experience.

Position Summary

Founded in 1993, the Baker Institute for Public Policy has established itself as one of the premier nonpartisan public policy think tanks in the country. As an integral part of Rice University, the Baker Institute has a strong track record of achievement based on the work of its fellows, scholars, Rice faculty scholars, and staff. The Institute collaborates with experts from academia, government, the media, business, and nongovernmental and private organizations.

Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy is seeking qualified candidates to serve as the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Fellow in Religion and Public Policy. The Baker Institute Fellow in Religion and Public Policy will conduct original research that explores how religion interacts with public policy issues including but not limited to education, socioeconomics, politics, science, race, immigration, gender, religious freedom, conflict resolution, and globalization.

The Fellow will develop a research agenda, produce publications and write opinion articles. The position also includes organizing conferences, workshops, seminars, and undertaking fund-raising efforts.

The ideal candidate will have at least four years of relevant experience. Greater experience is desirable.

Essential Functions

• Develops a policy research agenda using appropriate analytical approaches, models and methods
• Plans, directs, and conducts research in coordination with the broader goals and mission of the Baker Institute, and in collaboration with Rice University’s Religion and Public Life Program.
• Translates research results into timely and relevant public policy recommendations for dissemination to the government, academia and private sector audiences as well as the general public
• Writes and publishes research papers, conference reports, opinion articles, blogs
• Facilitates collaboration between the Baker Institute and local, national, and international organizations and experts
• Communicates and promotes the work of the Baker Institute to the public through media appearances, public testimony, social media, and other speaking engagements

Additional Functions / Information

• May teach a limited number of courses
• Manages the annual budget and stewardship of the Chavanne endowment fund and any additional funds raised through sponsored research projects or major gifts
• May manage interns and program support staff
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• M.A. in sociology, public policy, or religious studies
• Five years experience conducting research and writing publications
• Advanced skills in oral and written communications, with strong social and presentation skills
• Ability to work with a research team

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in sociology, public policy, or religious studies or extensive experience in a related field

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies