Post Doctoral Research Associate - Labor Studies

at  University of Massachusetts Amherst

Job no: 525419
Work type: Post Doc (Amherst Only)
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Labor Center
Union: Post Doc
Categories: Postdoctoral Research Associate, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

JOB DESCRIPTION

This Postdoctoral Researcher position is with the Labor Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The Labor Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst conducts labor education, community outreach, and labor research. Founded in 1964, the program focuses on labor and workers’ rights, distinguishing it from joint labor-management programs. Today, it is the premier worker-side Labor Studies degree program in the US, offering three master’s degree programs. With over 1,000 alumni, Labor Center graduates are leaders in the labor movement and workers’ rights issues across the world. The faculty affiliated with the Labor Center are engaged with original research that examines the pressing labor issues of the times, including the quality of jobs, the changing nature of work, inequalities, unions, and collective action. The Labor Center regularly hosts conferences to bring labor researchers and community members into conversation.
This Postdoctoral Researcher position offers an exciting opportunity to pursue collaborative and independent research in the area of labor sociology. The position allows for 50% time for independent research on labor topics. The Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to share that research with a public facing audience, in addition to traditional academic audiences. This work offers flexibility for the researcher to pursue independent research in a range of areas that include but are not limited to: labor movements in the U.S.; comparative labor movements; strikes and collective action; just transition; labor process; gig work and other work arrangements, collective bargaining, race, gender, and labor in US unions, workers centers, and workplaces.
The other 50% of the time will be in support of the Labor Center’s research and outreach, with the broad theme of “The Future of Work and Workers.” The Postdoctoral Researcher will work directly with the Labor Center Director (Jasmine Kerrissey), Professor of Practice (Clare Hammonds), and associated Labor Center faculty on applied labor research. The project will be determined by the specific expertise of the Postdoctoral Researcher and needs of the Labor Center. The position also has the potential to teach a Labor Studies course.
This is an on-site position at the UMass Amherst campus in Amherst, MA, with the possibility of some remote work during the week. Residency in the area is expected. It is a one-year position with a possibility of renewal for a second year, contingent upon performance and the availability of funding.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in sociology required by the time of hire.
• Have been academically active for no longer than 4 years post-PhD.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with the labor movement and workers’ rights issues and organizations.

• Participates in Labor Center events, meetings, and student engagement.
• Develops and disseminates independent labor research.
• Works with Labor Center team to provide research support for a Labor Center research project.
• Other duties as assigned.