The Buntrock Institute for Freedom and Community (IFC) at St. Olaf College invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship for scholars doing innovative work that deepens our understanding of public policy challenges broadly understood. We welcome applicants from multiple disciplinary traditions including but not limited to public health political science and economics. Priority will be given to candidates whose work can speak to major questions in multiple disciplinary traditions.
The post-doctoral fellow will be appointed to an appropriate academic department at the college. Post-Doctoral Fellows will teach three policy/public affairs courses per year through their home department pursue their own scholarly research participate in various IFC-sponsored events on campus and contribute through their teaching and scholarly activities to public affairs education on campus. This is a two-year fellowship beginning mid-August 2026. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Salary: $63000 - $70000
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in a discipline related to public policy/public affairs completed by the time of appointment is required.
About the Department
Established at St. Olaf in 2014 The Buntrock Institute for Freedom and Community ( an interdisciplinary institute seeking to promote constructive dialogue and meaningful debate on important political and social issues. By exploring diverse ideas about politics markets and society the Buntrock Institute aims to challenge presuppositions question easy answers and foster constructive dialogue among those with differing values and contending points of view.
We strive to be a campus of welcome where students faculty and staff thrive by bringing their full humanitygender identity sexuality race ethnicity national origin socioeconomic class disability religion spirituality and ageto St. Olaf each day. Our goal is to generate conversations and processes that over time create greater clarity transparency trust cooperation consensus respect and measurable outcomes. Practices that support this goal include listening cultivating a growth mindset respecting those with different views being informed by data and understanding that the work is ongoing collaborative organic and ever evolving. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Community and Belonging webpageto learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.
How to Apply
A complete application includes the following:
References: Provide contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in teaching and scholarship.
Supporting Documents and URLS:
Review of applications will begin on 3/1/2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position department or college may be directed to Chris Chapp Morrison Family Director of the Institute for Freedom and Community.
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