The School of Interdisciplinary Forensics at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar position in Psychology. We are interested in candidates with training in any area of psychology with interest in conducting socially impactful research on issues of race, racial justice, and/or racial disparities in the legal system, broadly defined. The postdoctoral scholar will work alongside Dr. Jessica Salerno and Dr. Laura Smalarz to design and conduct socially impactful empirical research, analyze data, draft manuscripts, present at academic conferences, and supervise a team of graduate and undergraduate students with interests in issues of race, racial justice, and racial disparities in the legal system.
All postdoctoral fellowship positions are for one year. Options for an additional one or two years of funding and/or a transition to a tenure track position may be offered, depending on each fellow’s progress and training needs. Faculty tenure track appointments will require a process of review within the designated tenure home unit.
The postdoctoral scholar will be embedded in ASU’s Law and Behavioral Science group, an interdisciplinary group of psychological scientists who are engaged in basic research in psychology with the explicit goal of making the legal system more fair and just. Information about our Law and Behavioral Science group including faculty, research labs, academic programs, and events can be found at https://lawpsych.asu.edu. The Law and Behavioral Science group spans many academic units across the university, but this position will be headquartered in the School of Interdisciplinary Forensics within the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. The core mission of the School of Interdisciplinary Forensics is to blend scientific rigor and technical training to advance the fair and effective administration of justice. More information about the school can be found at https://newcollege.asu.edu/school-interdisciplinary-forensics.
The postdoctoral scholar selected will join a cohort of 10-15 other postdoctoral scholars at ASU as part of the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. The goal of the program is to support the career development of outstanding Ph.D. recipients with great potential for advancing the ASU Charter into a future tenure track appointment at ASU.
The program seeks applicants whose professional preparedness, experience, and accomplishments are informed by experiences working with and within groups historically underrepresented or underserved in higher education in the United States. Where pools of qualified applicants are strong, priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate, through prior actions and achievements, intentional and actioned commitment to inclusive excellence. Examples of such contributions are research, teaching, mentorship, service or creative activity focused on empowering underserved populations that increases equitable access and inclusion in fields where historically excluded populations are underrepresented.
The School of Interdisciplinary Forensics has committed to provide individualized mentorship and career development to ensure each candidate is well prepared to succeed in a future tenure track appointment. Career development and community building will also occur through programmatic support at the ASU Graduate College’s Postdoctoral Affairs Office.
About Arizona State University
ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and for nearly two decades, has transformed into the “New American University,” one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society’s greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.
All we do at ASU is guided and inspired by the University Charter, which reads:
ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.
Successful candidates will demonstrate throughout their materials how their teaching, research, and service will contribute to the fulfillment of this charter.
Qualifications and Characteristics
Successful candidates will engage in scholarly research and may be asked to perform duties common to academic personnel including grant writing. For candidates who are interested in gaining teaching experience, opportunities will be made available.
Minimum qualifications
Desired qualifications
This position is located at the Arizona State University at the West campus. All postdoctoral fellowship positions are for one year. Options for an additional one or two years of funding or a transition to a tenure track position may be offered, depending on each fellow’s progress and training needs. Faculty tenure track appointments will require a process of review within the designated tenure home unit.
Application Instructions
Application Deadline:
The initial application deadline is November 21, 2023, at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. A background check and official transcripts are required prior to employment. For assistance with your application, or for position-related questions, contact Kristin.Warriner@asu.edu.
Application Procedure:
Only electronic submissions via Interfolio will be reviewed. All required materials must be submitted at time of initial application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please submit all application materials to apply.interfolio.com/134016.
Applications must contain:
ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon the successful passing of the background check.