About the Independent Institute
The Independent Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public-policy research and educational organization that shapes ideas into lasting impact through publications, conferences, and effective multi-media programs. Our mission is boldly to advance peaceful, prosperous, and free societies grounded in a commitment to human worth and dignity. Applying independent thinking to issues that matter, we create transformational ideas for today’s most pressing social and economic challenges.
About the Role
The Independent Institute is seeking a full-time Senior Research Fellow with a strong scholarly background in free market economics, economic education, and the policy applications of each. This individual will report to the David J. Theroux Chair in Political Economy, and will be responsible for developing and supervising original scholarly research and educational programs that align with the organization’s mission.
Approximately 70% of the position’s time will be devoted to developing and overseeing an original research initiative in support of the organization’s priority focus areas. The other 30% will consist of building and administering public-facing educational programming around the organization’s research outputs.
The area(s) of research specialization for this position are open, however we are especially interested in scholars who have strong backgrounds in one or more of the following areas:
- The American West – historical and present-day issues affecting the western United States (e.g. land and water rights, energy, environmental economics, California wildfires, federal mismanagement of western lands, historical perspectives on liberty in the American West)
- Economics, Law, and Culture – Economic dimensions of American constitutionalism, the moral case for free markets, property rights, constraints on government power (especially abuse of “emergency” powers), the relationship between economic and civil liberties, and the cultural components of a free society
- Economic and Entrepreneurial Education – Experience with instructing students in economic ideas and developing associated curricula, programming, and public events
The ideal candidate should have a broad familiarity with free-market economics and economic policy issues, including the Public Choice, Austrian, and/or Chicago Price Theory traditions. Candidates with strong empirical skills, including work with statistical software and experience with data presentation, are preferred for this role.
The candidate should have a terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) in economics, political science, economic history, policy, political economy or a related field. We seek a highly motivated individual who is interested in contributing to original research outputs (books, journal articles, popular press) and pays close attention to detail and scholarly rigor.
We are open to considering applicants for an in-office role based at our headquarters in Oakland, CA or a virtual role with the expectation of quarterly+ visits to the Oakland office throughout the year.
Responsibilities
1. Oversee research initiatives within one of the organization’s mission and priority focus areas (e.g. Sparking Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Defending Civil Liberties)
2. Develop and lead original scholarly research projects in support of the organization’s mission.
3. Develop and administer public-facing educational outreach initiatives to disseminate the organization’s research and foster interest in the principles of a free society among the next generation.
4. Assist the development team in identifying areas of support for research initiatives under the purview of this role.
4. Travel including regular periodic visits to the Oakland headquarters, Independent Institute-hosted events, and other public speaking engagements. (Approximate travel: 10%)
5. Represent Independent and your area of research at job-related research conferences, public events, and meetings.
Qualifications
- PhD or equivalent terminal degree in economics, political science, policy, political economy, economic history, law and economics, or related fields.
- Demonstrated record of conducting scholarly research related to a primary area of expertise, including peer reviewed publications and popular writing.
- At least 10 years experience in a professional, instructional, or administrative role related to scholarly research and education.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills. We seek a clear and concise communication style, and the ability to write for both scholarly and popular audiences.
- Strong alignment with Independent Institute’s mission and philosophy.
- Proven track record of managing and growing institutional programs, academic centers, or similar endeavors.
- Philosophical alignment with Independent Institute
Compensation and Benefits
• Salary range: $130-180K annually
• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays
- Flexible PTO
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- Cover letter including:
- An introductory paragraph describing your interest in Independent Institute’s mission and this role
- Research specialization preferences
- Location preferences
- Salary requirements
- Resume or CV
- A recent writing sample (article or chapter suitable for peer reviewed publication) on a topic related to your area of expertise.
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link:
https://talentmarket.org/candidates/apply-for-your-dream-job/
Questions can be directed to Claire Kittle Dixon, Executive Director of Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: [email protected].
There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.
While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.
Talent Market is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.
