Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Michigan State University (MSU) actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry. The School of Criminal Justice is ranked among the top in the nation and delivers graduate and undergraduate programs focused specifically on criminal justice, with access to an outstanding group of faculty and staff.

The School of Criminal Justice at MSU is recruiting one exceptional early-career research investigator to undertake an intensive postdoctoral position that is tied to multiple funded research projects to advance theoretical understanding of neighborhood influences on the decision process for youth violence and effective interventions. This mentored position will be overseen by Drs. Carole Gibbs and Jennifer Dungy (and will collaborate with Dr. Alaina De Biasi of Wayne State University and Dr. Louie Rivers, III of North Carolina State University). The projects involve coding interviews and focus groups conducted with individuals residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Lansing, Michigan.

Senior personnel will work with the Postdoctoral Scholar to develop a mentoring plan that includes the Postdoctoral Scholar’s professional narrative of their scholarly identity, specific short- and long-term research and other career goals, a timeline for completion of those goals, and professional development workshops. The Postdoctoral Scholar will be introduced to Michigan State University’s many resources for training and support for faculty development, as well as health and wellness services.

Primary responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Scholar include:

• Data and project management
• Qualitative data analysis, including coding of interview and focus group transcripts using Nvivo
• Preparation of reports, manuscripts, and conference presentations
• Participation in graduate and undergraduate student mentoring

This is a one-year appointment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Criminal Justice or Social Science

Minimum Requirements

• The completion of all degree requirements for a Ph.D. from an accredited college or university with a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field of study (criminal justice, criminology, sociology, psychology, social work, political science, or a related field) by the time of appointment is required.
• Applications are encouraged from both Ph.D. candidates and scholars who have completed their Ph.D. within the past two years.
• A minimum 2-years of experience in relevant research is required. This experience may be within the context of doctoral degree training.

Desired Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating research excellence and scholarly potential aligned with the focus of the postdoctoral position. Experience managing data and research projects, coding qualitative interviews or focus groups, and engaging with vulnerable or under resourced communities on sensitive topics is also preferred.  Additional preferred qualifications include demonstrated writing and dissemination skills and experience with team collaboration.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should submit a CV, a letter of application, two writing samples, and names and contact information for 3 references. 

Special Instructions

Applications will not be reviewed until all materials are submitted, including reference contact information. Reference letters will be collected for finalists. Electronic submission is required through the MSU Applicant Page at careers.msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

07/06/2026

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

cj.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.