Postdoctoral Fellowship in Social Science
Center for Applied Social and Economic Research (CASER)
NYU Shanghai

The Center for Applied Social and Economic Research (CASER) at NYU Shanghai invites applications from outstanding early-career scholars seeking affiliation with the Center through the NYU Shanghai Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

We welcome applicants whose research addresses one or more of the following areas:

• Education
• Family and gender
• Inequality and poverty
• Migration
• Population aging and health
• Urban neighborhoods and governance

We are particularly interested in theoretically informed empirical research that advances understanding of social and economic change in China and places these developments in comparative perspective. Candidates whose work connects multiple research areas are especially encouraged to apply.

Research and Professional Development

Successful applicants will pursue an independent research agenda and collaborate with CASER faculty on shared research interests. Fellows will be encouraged to develop publications, contribute to ongoing and new research projects, and participate in the Center’s seminars, workshops, and scholarly exchanges. We welcome candidates with strong methodological training, including expertise in survey research, longitudinal analysis, causal inference, computational social science, or mixed methods.

Eligibility and Fellowship Terms

Applicants should hold a PhD in sociology, demography, economics, public policy, or a related discipline by the start of employment. At the beginning of the fellowship, candidates must be within three years of receiving their doctorate, and their total postdoctoral experience must not exceed three years.

Appointments are for one or two years and require full-time residence in Shanghai. Each fellow will work with a full-time NYU Shanghai faculty mentor, develop an individual training plan, and complete annual reviews. Teaching opportunities may be available but are not required.

Application Procedure

Before submitting an application, prospective applicants should contact relevant CASER faculty to discuss research fit and obtain acceptance from a prospective mentor and the hosting Center.

Submit the following materials through Interfolio:

• Preferred start date and fellowship duration
• Cover letter describing research interests, methodological skills, and career goals
• Curriculum vitae
• Identification of the prospective faculty mentor and hosting center, with an indication of their acceptance
• Personal statement explaining the reasons for pursuing the fellowship at NYU Shanghai
• Contact information for three references

Application deadline: January 1, 2027
Anticipated start: As early as September 1, 2027

For information about CASER, visit caser.shanghai.nyu.edu. Questions about the fellowship program should be directed to shanghai.postdoc@nyu.edu.

NYU Shanghai is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from scholars with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.