Research Fellow, Stanford Law School

Multi-Job Posting

Commitment: 

Full-time, starting Summer 2027. Some applicants available to start earlier will also be considered. Fellowships last for one year, with the opportunity to renew for a second year based on performance and mutual agreement of the professor and fellow. 

Description: 

Assist Stanford Law School faculty, including economist Dr. John J. Donohue, in conducting policy-relevant empirical social science research. Designed for graduating seniors or recent college or master’s program graduates, the fellowship provides a unique opportunity for those considering graduate school, law school, and/or business school in the future. 

 

Over the past 5 years, research fellows have matriculated in PhD programs at: Berkeley (Economics), Columbia (Economics), Harvard (Sociology), MIT (Economics), Northwestern (Economics), Penn State (Economics), University of Pennsylvania (Economics), University of Wisconsin-Madison (Economics).  In the past 5 years, fellows have also matriculated in law school at Stanford Law School and Yale Law School. 

Budgeted Salary Range:  The budgeted salary range for this position at Stanford Law School, as a full-time Stanford University employee, is:  $31.40 to $35.00 per hour.  If these hourly rates were annualized based on working 2,080 hours/year, the range is equivalent to:  $65,312 to $72,800 per year.  This represents a good faith estimate of what Stanford University expects to offer as compensation. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Participation in this fellowship opportunity allows you to take and audit Stanford courses and attend on-campus lectures and seminars free of charge.  In addition, incumbents in this fellowship will be eligible to take one course per quarter, not to exceed a maximum of 5 units (paid for by the department), with approval from your faculty supervisor. Additional restrictions may apply, such as a limit on the total number of courses you may take during the entirety of your fellowship. 

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process. You will be eligible to elect a benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, access to campus athletic and academic facilities, paid vacation time, professional development funds, and the capacity to audit Stanford courses and attend on-campus lectures and seminars free of charge. 

Job responsibilities will vary, but will involve all aspects of the research process, including:

Collecting, managing, and structuring quantitative datasets

Conceptualization of suitable empirical methodologies and models

Statistical analyses of complex datasets and interpretation of results

Communication with government officials, industry stakeholders, and research collaborators

Report writing and manuscript preparation

Job qualifications: 

Experience in a quantitative discipline, such as economics, political science, computer science, statistics, or applied math

Training in causal inference and/or machine learning methods 

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the social sciences or another relevant field 

Outstanding academic credentials and intellectual creativity 

Eagerness to take initiative and solve intricate problems 

Excellent time-management skills and ability to work effectively with minimal supervision 

Exceptional research and analytical writing skills 

Programming experience in R, Python, Stata, and/or other languages is strongly preferred 

Prior research experience and coursework in the empirical social sciences is preferred, but not required 

How to apply: 

There will be two rounds of application review. The deadline for the first round is 7:00AM PST on Friday, October 23, 2026. All applications received before this date are guaranteed to be read while there is a spot open. After this date we will still be accepting applications, however preference will be given to first round applications.

Applicants with Optional Practical Training (OPT) temporary employment authorization are eligible to apply. Depending on the circumstances, Stanford may sponsor J-1 visas for this position. 

There is a dual application process: 

1. Please submit your resume and cover letter through Stanford’s career site – reference job number: 200728

2. Please apply online at law.stanford.edu/research/sls-fellowships/empirical-research-fellowship. Make sure to upload each of the following: 

Brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position and which graduate degree(s), if any, you hope to pursue following the fellowship

Current resume

Transcript (unofficial version acceptable) 

Short academic writing sample, preferably empirical or social science-related 

 

▪ Contact information for no fewer than two academic references who can attest to your academic research skills and for any additional references who can speak to your character and professional skills

 

If you have any additional comments or questions, please see the FAQs on the fellowship website above. 

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• Participating in the planning and performing/conducting research tasks by applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory using precedents or other published guidelines and knowledge of theory and methods when specific precedents do not exist. General instruction provided by the supervisor or principal investigator. May interpret study results in collaboration with supervisor or PI.
• Participate in the development and administration of survey instruments and rating scales requiring judgment in applying non-routine procedures or methods. Analyze and summarize results for review with supervisor. Audit the accuracy and validity of data
• Review and audit case report forms for completion and accuracy with source documents and ensure compliance with research protocols.
• Identify, select, extract and summarize data and structured information. Present summary of findings to supervisor.
• Conduct literature searches, and write literature summaries and manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines conceptual approach.
• Build and organize data as requested by principal investigator or supervisor; use common statistical programs requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing data.
• Adapt new, nonstandard methods outlined by supervisor in designing and evaluating phases of research projects, (i.e., educational materials, questionnaires, strategies for recruitment, data quality control procedures and processes). May follow up with to ensure approvals and completion, seeking guidance where necessary.
• Assist with development, communication and design of research findings to internal and external audiences, which may include web updates, social media, and/or white papers, for use in recruitment, educational, or awareness of programs, with guidance from supervisor.
   

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable life science, social science, physical science or similar specific discipline

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General understanding of scientific theory and methods, typically gained through completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with study participants.