Research Director

11/09/2026

Yes

1129696

Research Director

$87,700

$109,600

Not a Union Position

Not an SEIU Position

Exempt

Regular Full Time w/end date

12

40

Hanover, NH

Onsite only

Yes

12

Yes

The Research Director manages the lab’s research programs function, providing professional leadership for research operations, staff development, and scientific excellence. This person will oversee the lab’s research pipeline from developing new research projects and survey instruments through data analysis and writing, and will manage and mentor our postdoctoral and predoctoral researchers, ensuring the team runs smoothly and produces rigorous, timely work. We’re looking for a strong quantitative researcher, a clear writer, and a good collaborator.

The Polarization Research Lab (PRL), led by Associate Professor of Government Sean Westwood, is seeking a Research Director. PRL is a cross-university social science research lab founded in 2022. Our work examines democratic attitudes, political trust, elite rhetoric, and governance. We combine rigorous survey research, experimental methods, and public engagement to produce findings that inform scholars, policymakers, journalists, and the public.

The Research Director manages the lab’s research programs function, providing professional leadership for research operations, staff development, and scientific excellence. This person will oversee the lab’s research pipeline from developing new research projects and survey instruments through data analysis and writing, and will manage and mentor our postdoctoral and predoctoral researchers, ensuring the team runs smoothly and produces rigorous, timely work.

We’re looking for a strong quantitative researcher, a clear writer, and a good collaborator.

PhD plus 3-5 years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Ph.D. required, in Political Science, Economics, Statistics, or Computer Science.
• Advanced statistical and AI skills; substantial experience with writing code.
• Strong writing experience, with a preference for a track record of peer-reviewed journal articles.
• 5+ years of research management experience, including managing complex research projects.
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach, with the ability to support and mentor junior researchers.

• Experience managing research programs at a major research university.
• Experience managing or mentoring postdocs or predocs.
• Experience with large-scale surveys or panel studies.
• Experience with research budgets, grant compliance, and sponsor reporting.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Sean Westwood

Sean.J.Westwood@dartmouth.edu

Sean Westwood, Associate Professor of Government

Sean.J.Westwood@dartmouth.edu

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Not an essential function

This position is funded by a grant. Continuation is based upon available funds.
This position is a 12-month term position.

Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy

Applicants will be asked to respond to three supplemental questions regarding years of direct experience, indirect experience, and people management experience. Responses will be reviewed alongside application materials. Your response will be cross-referenced with your application materials to verify accuracy and, for finalists, to inform salary placement.

Please ensure your resume and work history clearly reflect the full scope of your work, including position titles, employment dates, responsibilities, and supervisory duties. Incomplete or inconsistent information may affect how your experience is evaluated.

https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/87822

Manage the Polarization Research Lab’s research programs and project portfolio, overseeing research operations, scientific quality, and staff development across the lab’s work on democratic attitudes, political trust, elite rhetoric, and governance.

• Develop research questions and study designs.
• Design survey instruments and oversee data collection, ensuring methodological rigor.
• Conduct and oversee quantitative analysis of survey and experimental data, including writing and checking code.
• Write up findings for peer-reviewed publications, reports, and public-facing summaries.

40%

Develop and implement the lab’s research operational standards, compliance frameworks, and research support service models, including survey and experimental protocols, human subjects (IRB) compliance, data management and security, and reproducibility practices.

20%

Manage the lab’s research program budgets, grant compliance, and sponsor reporting, including contributing to grant proposals and funder reports.

20%

Lead professional development for the lab’s postdoctoral and predoctoral researchers and undergraduate RAs, foster a collaborative, supportive team culture while ensuring deadlines are met, and contribute to the lab’s research strategic plan.

20%

Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all.

Performs other duties as assigned.