CSAP Predoc: Power and Control in American Political Institutions
This position is part of The Center for the Study of American Politics (CSAP) Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program, which is affiliated with the Tobin Center/Economics Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program. The CSAP predoc program provides a high-quality education and training in quantitative political science research for individuals who are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in political science or a closely related discipline. CSAP predocs are invited to participate in all Tobin Center predoc activities. Information about the CSAP predoc program is available at this link.
Faculty Supervisor:
Project and Position Description:
Professor Kinane is seeking a predoctoral research fellow to support a series of projects examining the dynamic relationships between the executive branch and Congress as an integral part of the Kinane American Political Institutions Lab. Key projects include a comprehensive data collection effort on acting appointees and vacancies, the development of a data analytics website for public and scholarly access, and research on the career trajectories of top-level political appointees. The fellow will play a crucial role in managing project workflows and coordinating with undergraduate research assistants.
Key responsibilities include:
· Quantitative and qualitative data collection focusing on interactions between the executive and legislative branches
· Assist with the development and updating of a data analytics website for interactive data visualization and analysis
· Assist with data analysis for a book project on Congressional oversight and political appointees' career trajectories within the executive branch
· Manage project timelines and oversee contributions from undergraduate research assistants
· Conduct literature reviews and support the development of annotated bibliographies
Requisite Skills and Qualifications:
Preferred skills and qualifications include:
· A keen interest in American political institutions, particularly executive-legislative relations
· Background in computer science, data science, or a related field; web development and data visualization skills are highly advantageous
· Proficiency in data analysis (Python and/or R preferred) and experience working with large datasets
· Excellent organizational and project management skills, with a detail-oriented, proactive approach