Postdoctoral Research Scholar

The New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University is searching for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar with a flexible start date between Summer 2023 through January 2024. This is a 12-month position with possibility of renewal for a total of 24 months.

This scholar will help manage an interdisciplinary project funded by the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Justice under the supervision of Dr. Jessica Salerno (a social psychologist) and Dr. Cassia Spohn (a criminologist). In collaboration with Arizona courts, the project will investigate the impact of a ban on peremptory (discretionary) strikes during jury selection on jury diversity, racial bias in trial outcomes, and jury selection practices. This project will involve the analysis of court data on juror demographics and case outcomes, as well as behavioral coding of jury selection to assess potential racial bias or discrimination in how potential jurors are questioned and selected or eliminated for a given case. The postdoctoral scholar will be focused on research and activities pertaining to this project, including managing doctoral and undergraduate research assistants, creating and training other team members on behavioral coding schemes, data analysis and assisting in preparing manuscripts.

The postdoctoral scholar will be embedded in a group of psychological scientists within an interdisciplinary group, who are engaged in basic research in psychology with the explicit goal of making the legal system more fair and just. More information about these initiatives can be found at https://lawpsych.asu.edu The Law and Behavior Science group spans many academic units across the university, but this position will be headquartered in the School of Interdisciplinary Forensics within the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences on ASU’s West Campus. The postdoctoral scholar will also have the opportunity to be mentored and embedded within ASU’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

About the College:

The New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences is presently in a period of expansion and innovation relating to Psychology generally and Forensic and Legal Psychology specifically. The College is home to digital and campus immersion-based undergraduate and Master’s programs in Psychology and Forensic Psychology and a doctoral program in Law and Psychology. More information about the New College can be found at https://newcollege.asu.edu.

About the University:

ASU is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 80,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.

New College strives to uphold values of cultural and intellectual diversity and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where all can thrive, share ideas, and pursue their goals.

Essential Functions of the Position:

Research and mentoring commensurate with the rank of a Postdoctoral Scholar, including:

• Assisting with managing a research project funded by the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Justice Mentoring of undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students in research Assisting in research that is publishable in premier academic journals Assist in preparing manuscripts and reports

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in psychology, criminology, criminal justice, or related field by the time of appointment

Desired Qualifications:  

• Expertise in social, forensic/legal, cognitive psychological science; or criminology/criminal justice. More specific areas of expertise could include (but are not limited to) judgment and decision making; motivated reasoning and confirmation bias; prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination; bias; persuasion; juries; intra- or intergroup relations, data scientific methods applied to human behavior (etc.) Willingness and interest in investigating these topics in the context of important real-world outcomes for the legal system A record of research and scholarship that demonstrates an ability to develop and execute high-impact psychological research Good organizational and communication skills Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in research Experience with quantitative behavioral coding Familiarity with advanced quantitative analysis skills, such as multi-level modeling Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with a diverse student population, including underrepresented racial minorities and first-generation college students

Application Instructions

Application Deadline: 

The initial application deadline is June 2, 2023 at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.  Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool.  Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. A background check and official transcripts are required prior to employment. For assistance with your application, or for position-related questions, contact lavonne.morris@asu.edu

Application Procedure:

Only electronic submissions via Interfolio will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please submit all application materials to http://apply.interfolio.com/123766

Applications must contain:

• Cover letter that addresses the required and desired qualifications; Curriculum vitae with contact information, including telephone number and e-mail address Statement of research interests and future directions 3 letters of recommendation Unofficial graduate transcripts Information for three professional references (their position, title, email, and phone number); one reference must be from your current employer A statement with specific examples and indication of impact that describes how your teaching interests and experience have intersected with and/or will contribute to matters of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion

 ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

(See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.)

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COVID-19 Vaccination - Arizona State University is a federal contractor and subject to federal regulations which may require you to produce a record of a COVID-19 vaccination. For questions about medical or religious accommodations, please visit the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s webpage.