Job Details

Postdoctoral Researcher in Criminology

Position Number: 6597452
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Liberal Arts - Criminal Justice

Postdoctoral Researcher in Criminology

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Open Date: Sep 25, 2025
Deadline:

The University of Pennsylvania Department of Criminology invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in use of quantitative methods. The start date for the position is flexible, between January and August 2026. The Postdoctoral Researcher will engage in advanced quantitative study within the social sciences with a focus on applications to the study of crime. Anticipated projects may include the study of police use of force, gun violence, and peer effects on criminal behavior. The position-holder will work in collaboration with departmental faculty, prepare papers for publication in academic journals, and present research outputs at conferences and workshops. The position's duration is 12 months. The anticipated compensation is $70,000.

Qualifications
By the time of appointment, applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant social science discipline (e.g., criminology, sociology, public policy, economics, or data science). They should have an emerging publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with their career stage. Applicants should possess a strong foundation and demonstrable experience in the application of quantitative methods using advanced statistical modelling. The Department is particularly interested in scholars with expertise in social network analysis and/or experimental and/or quasi-experimental methods. Applicants should also possess a high level of proficiency in relevant software such as R. They should have excellent oral and written communications skills, strong organizational skills, and sound interpersonal skills with the ability to work constructively and effectively both within a small research team and under their own initiative. Proficiency in data management, the principles of open research, and use of Github and/or Open Science Framework is a plus.

Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

A cover letter outlining your qualifications.
A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
A statement of research interests.
One research paper or dissertation chapter
Names and contact information for three referees who may be contacted for confidential references.

Please apply through Penn's online recruitment portal at: apply.interfolio.com/174705 Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

For inquiries, please contact Department Chair, Professor Dave Kirk, at: davekirk@sas.upenn.edu.

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/174705

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.