Tulane University

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Tulane University’s Department of Economics seeks a post-doctoral fellow to conduct research with the Education Research Alliance for New Orleans. The fellow will conduct and publish original research related to two ongoing projects: (1) randomized trials of financial aid and other college access programs; and (2) the New Orleans school reforms after Hurricane Katrina, including the rapid expansion of charter schools, parental choice, and test-based accountability, as well as changes in the teacher labor market. Each project includes access to extensive student-level datasets linked to surveys and other data sources. One-third of the Fellow’s time will involve assisting with studies for one or both of these projects; one-third will focus on the Fellow’s own studies involving these topics and data; and the remaining third is available for other research of the Fellow’s choosing. Funding will be provided for advanced training courses and conference travel. Teaching is not required.

Required Education and Experience:
1. PhD in economics, public policy, sociology, education, or related field (must be completed before start date)
2. Demonstrated interest in policies related to school reform and/or college access, broadly defined
3. Expertise in STATA

The mission of the Education Research Alliance for New Orleans is to gain understanding of post-Katrina school reforms through objective, rigorous, and useful research. Housed within the Department of Economics at Tulane University, our 10-person research team represents a range of disciplinary perspectives including public policy, economics, and psychology. Like many other researcher-practitioner partnerships, we also work closely with local practitioners with varying perspectives. Not only does our research team have the opportunity to work in the city that is at the heart of these innovative education reforms, but also to experience first-hand the vibrant and unique culture that New Orleans has to offer.

The Fellow reports to Associate Professor of Economics and University Endowed Chair in Public Education, Douglas N. Harris, who serves as the Director of the research alliance. To apply, please email CV, letter of interest, and 2-4 letters of recommendation to Alica Gerry (agerry@tulane.edu) by 12/1/14.