[Psyjobseekers-list] Research Fellow position in Philadelphia

Psychology Research Fellow<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.thefire.… This position is envisioned to be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, although exceptional candidates may be able to work remotely or from Washington, D.C. About FIRE The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending liberty, freedom of speech, due process, academic freedom, legal equality, and freedom of conscience on our nation’s college campuses. Please visit thefire.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__thefire.… to gain a sense of our work and mission. Position Description FIRE is seeking a research fellow with an educational background in psychology to conduct research on the justification of censorship as a necessary step to protect mental health. In particular, the fellow will examine how the alleged emotional fragility of students has been used to justify censorship on college campuses, such as the implementation of restrictive campus speech codes. The fellow will also examine phenomena like “trigger warnings” and “microaggressions” to analyze the various strategies by which they might be used to promote or shut down debate and discussion on campus. FIRE President and CEO Greg Lukianoff and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt described some of these practices in their September 2015 Atlantic cover story, “The Coddling of the American Mind<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.theatlantic… However, it is important to note that FIRE’s research initiative is aimed at finding results, regardless of how they implicate our broader work. The two-year fellowship will involve examining the existing field of research on the medicalization of censorship, while also conducting preliminary studies into its existence and prevalence. The Psychology Research Fellow will report to and work directly with FIRE’s President and CEO and the President’s Research Assistant. Some other responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: · Analyzing data from both FIRE’s national polls and field studies; · Conducting field studies on college and university campuses; · Preparing at least two academic articles to be published in journals in the psychology and cognitive science fields; · Networking with fellow scholars; · Attending and presenting papers at relevant conferences; · Writing summary pieces on his/her work for the popular press, including op-eds and blog posts; · Appearing on radio and TV to promote his/her findings; · Writing articles for FIRE’s Newsdesk, offering analysis and reports of developing news that intersects with his/her research and sharing new findings and data with FIRE’s network of supporters, allied organizations, students, alumni, and professors; · Assisting with other various FIRE duties as needed. This position is expected to require minimal travel. Work on weekends and evenings is envisioned to be minimal but may be necessary from time to time. The expected start date for this position will be January 3, 2017. This is a two-year, fixed-term position and is part of FIRE’s Speech, Outreach, Advocacy, and Research Project (“Project SOAR<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.thefire.or…)CoeHUJQh42IVWA8B8&e=>“), which was made possible by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. Qualifications A successful candidate will have strong writing skills, a good work ethic, be a self-starter, and have the ability to work independently. A four-year degree from an accredited college or university is required; however, the ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in psychology and past experience researching issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder. A candidate must also be able to demonstrate: · An educational background in psychology; · Exceptional research skills; · Exceptional written and verbal communication and general copy-editing skills; · An ability to evaluate studies and data for usefulness and accuracy; · An ability to complete research projects within an established timeframe; · Demonstrated ability to place pieces in academic journals; · Superior computer proficiency, including the ability to use Microsoft Office and Google Docs; · Knowledge of FIRE’s mission and a willingness to advocate for that mission. Salary and Compensation Starting salary is negotiable and depends upon experience and education level. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option, matching retirement contributions, and a generous paid time-off plan. Applications Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, a writing sample covering the topics to be researched by this position or demonstrating past scholarship on relevant research topics, and at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Peyton Cudaback, Director of Human Resources and include the title of the position in the subject line. Applications can be emailed to hr@thefire.org<mailto:hr@thefire.org>. FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.