Research Fellow, Neukom Center for the Rule of Law, Stanford Law School
Stanford University
Research Fellow, Neukom Center for the Rule of Law, Stanford Law School (50% part-time position)
About the Center: Building on Stanford Law School’s long history as a leading voice on the rule of law, the Sally B. and William H. Neukom Center for the Rule of Law works on numerous fronts to research key questions related to accountability, just laws, open government, and accessible justice around the world.
Established in 2022, the Neukom Center opens its doors at a critical time, when numerous studies, including from The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, reveal a decline in the rule of law around the world. The interdisciplinary Center is a home for research, teaching, collaboration, public discourse, and policy labs, all of which share a common goal: to produce trailblazing research on countering global trends toward autocracy and on how to strengthen accessible, impartial justice and open government.
The Center’s focus on interdisciplinary projects elevates rule of law issues across Stanford University, including through the University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, as well as academic institutions globally. In particular, the Center collaborates closely with other programs established by the Neukom family, including the World Justice Project and the Wright Center for the Study of Computation and Just Communities at Dartmouth.
With the goal of inspiring a new generation of scholars to strengthen the rule of law within the United States and globally, the Center embraces a multidisciplinary approach to confronting complex, global challenges. While housed at the Law School, the Center looks outward toward a broad range of disciplines. The fundamental goal is collaboration with like-minded initiatives to leverage diverse voices and uncover the most innovative paths forward.
Job Focus:
- This is a hybrid position. We hope to host a Research Fellow from August 1, 2025, until July 31, 2026, with the possibility for renewal as decided by Center leadership. This role involves contributing to the Center's interdisciplinary research on accountability, just laws, open government, and accessible justice globally.
- The Research Fellow will draft original research papers and reports related to the Center’s subjects of focus. Research papers are submitted to journals or published as reports open to the public. They will also assist with the Center’s other ongoing research projects, participating in data collection on public sources and databases and analysis and contributing to the administrative work of the Center as needed, such as developing lists of guest stakeholders, researching backgrounds, and generating agenda topics for Center events.
- Candidates should have excellent research skills, a background in law or a related field, and a keen interest in rule of law issues. This role offers a unique opportunity to generate and contribute to impactful research in a dynamic academic environment. The Research Fellow reports to Faculty Director Diego Zambrano.
CORE DUTIES:
- Plan and perform research requiring initiative and judgment by applying basic knowledge and understanding of legal theory. General instruction provided by the faculty supervisor as needed.
- Analyze and summarize research results for review with faculty supervisor. Audit the accuracy and validity of data.
- Review and audit legal data, and ensure compliance with research protocols.
- Identify, select, extract and summarize data and structured information. Present summary of findings to faculty supervisor and other Center staff
- Draft original research papers and reports.
- Design and evaluate phases of research projects, (i.e., research papers, reports, educational materials, questionnaires).
- Assist with development, communication and design of research findings to internal and external audiences, which may include web updates, social media, and/or white papers, for use in recruitment of stakeholders, educational, or awareness of Center programs, with guidance from faculty supervisor.
- May orient and train new staff or students.
Education & Experience:
Applicants should possess an advanced law degree in a relevant area. Successful applicants may also have experience in a federal appellate clerkship, and must possess a demonstrated aptitude for original research, typically in the form of past publications or notes.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- General understanding of legal research methods.
- General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
- Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORK STANDARDS:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
How to Apply: Please submit: (1) a CV; (2) a sample of academic writing; (3) a research proposal of no more than five double-spaced pages (briefly outlining past work but focused primarily on research to be undertaken during the fellowship); and (4) official transcripts of all academic work pursued in college, as well as in graduate programs. In addition, (5) applicants should provide two letters of recommendation, to be emailed directly by the recommenders themselves to Ms. Leeann Park, leeannjk@law.stanford.edu. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
The expected pay range for this position is $31.40 - $38.89 per hour.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Stanford Law School seeks to hire the best talent and to promote a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community and its property. To that end, new staff hires must successfully pass a background check prior to starting work at Stanford University.