Annenberg’s Postdoctoral Research Associate cohort - made up of researchers from diverse disciplinary and methodological backgrounds - places our “postdocs” into direct relationships with different levels of the fragmented educational system to improve the quality of schools and the experiences of students, while producing nationally impactful research.
Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are a critical component of the Institute and our work. Postdocs typically serve 2-year appointments under the mentorship of individual Annenberg faculty.
Postdocs spend 75% of their full-time schedule on Annenberg-based work (e.g. faculty-led/core project(s)), with a focus on opportunities that lead to co-authorship and contribute to career development through publications, 20% on their individual research, and 5% on Institute service. Annenberg provides administrative, grant, and operational support. Postdocs also receive additional annual research funds to support their ongoing work.
Postdocs directly support the Undergraduate Research Fellows for Social Science and Public Policy program, and participate in our Half-Baked Seminar Series. They also participate in writing retreats and workshops to develop professional skills. The University also houses The Office of University Postdoctoral Affairs (OUPA), which supports Brown postdocs in their training and professional growth, as they prepare for independent careers in academia, industry, and beyond. Annenberg postdocs are represented by the Brown Postdoc Labor Organization and the Collective Bargaining Agreement that was ratified on October 8, 2025.
As one of the first postdocs hired at Annenberg back in 2018, I was fortunate enough to participate in the design and launch of many of its signature programs, including EdWorkingPapers and the Undergraduate Fellows for Education and Social Policy Program. I also met some of my best collaborators and friends during my time at Brown. I have no doubt Annenberg will continue to lead our field and I look forward to continued collaboration!
Dr. Jing Liu, Director of the Center for Educational Data Science and Innovation and Associate Professor in Education Policy, University of Maryland, College Park
I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Annenberg Institute at Brown. My time at Annenberg gave me the chance to work with outstanding mentors, staff, and colleagues while taking on meaningful research projects and leadership opportunities. These experiences prepared me well for my current role as a faculty member.
One of the things that I appreciate most is that my connection to Annenberg has continued beyond my postdoc appointment. I still collaborate closely with my Annenberg colleagues, and I continue to benefit from the professional relationships and community I built there. I’m grateful to remain connected to such a supportive and engaged community.
Dr. Hannah Kistler, Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Policy & Leadership, School of Education, University of Albany