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.