Description

:The Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (“PERIL”) and the Department of Justice, Law, & Criminology in the School of Public Affairs at American University are seeking applications for a Director of Research (who would be appointed at the rank of Research Assistant Professor).The Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (“PERIL”) is an applied research lab preventing radicalization to violent extremism by strengthening community resilience. We use a public health approach to design, test, and scale-up evidence-based tools and strategies that effectively reduce the threat of radicalization to harmful online and offline content including conspiracy theories, mis/disinformation, propaganda, and supremacist ideologies. As an alternative to security-based approaches that rely on surveillance, censorship, and incarceration, our work takes a multidisciplinary and preventative approach to support individuals and communities to reject propaganda and extremist content, as well as empower them to intervene and interrupt early radicalization.PERIL and its Executive Leadership Team have a common vision of a just world free of hate and full of learning, and a mission to utilize public health approaches to design, test and scale evidence-based tools and strategies to prevent hate, bias, and extremist radicalization. About the Director of Research role: PERIL seeks a dynamic, experienced, and mission-driven Director of Research to lead its research portfolio. The Director of Research will drive the lab’s research strategy, oversee programmatic research initiatives, mentor junior researchers, and ensure the scientific integrity and impact of PERIL’s work. This individual will work closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership to align PERIL’s research agenda with its strategic priorities and partner needs, while also expanding PERIL’s academic and policy influence. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: Develop and oversee a research strategy aligned with PERIL’s mission and growth goals; ensure that research projects are cohesive, innovative, and impactful. Experience working with youth-centered, school-based, or community intervention programs. Project Oversight and Development: Design and manage major interdisciplinary research initiatives related to extremism, disinformation, online harms, youth radicalization, and prevention strategies. Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop, execute, and evaluate projects. Familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as mixed-methods approaches. Team Management & Mentorship: Supervise and support a team of researchers, analysts, and interns. Foster an intellectually rigorous and supportive team environment. Collaboration and Partnership: Work with external partners, including nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and community organizations, to design applied research and evaluation projects. Represent PERIL in academic, public policy, and practitioner settings. Scholarly and Public Dissemination: Ensure timely and effective dissemination of research through reports, peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, op-eds, and conferences. Grant Development and Reporting: Grant-writing experience and familiarity with federal or foundation funding processes. Support the development of grant proposals and lead research-related reporting for funders. Work with the operations team to ensure deliverables are met and budgets are aligned. Qualifications Ph.D. in a relevant social science discipline (e.g., psychology, sociology, political science, public policy, or education), or equivalent research experience. At least 7 years of experience conducting applied research, including experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder research projects. Demonstrated expertise in issues related to polarization, radicalization, extremism, disinformation, hate, or adjacent fields. Strong publication record and experience translating research for non-academic audiences. Experience supervising teams and mentoring early-career researchers. Proven ability to work with various community members, stakeholders, and collaborators in a respectful manner. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Skills and experience : Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods A track record of leading powerfully through collaborative relationships, with deep experience in coalition building, facilitating partnerships, and playing an advisory role to a wide array of stakeholders Research, training, education, or teaching experience in the prevention field Experience working in an ambiguous, entrepreneurial context and launching innovative projects or initiatives Demonstrated experience of scaling programs Experience working on a small team with a highly collaborative, “all hands-on deck” approach; ability to juggle many competing priorities at once Exemplary leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills Strong communication and interpersonal skills Desired mindset and orientation An entrepreneurial orientation, with experience and comfort in an environment that requires generating new ideas and approaches, handling shifting priorities, working autonomously, and adapting to rapid change A bold strategic thinker who achieves impact while maintaining ease, values-alignment, and voice for all stakeholders A leader who centers listening, humility, and relationships to achieve goals A collaborative team player who thrives in a culture of learning, feedback, coaching and reciprocal support among the team There is no teaching associated with this position. The initial appointment is for 12 months starting September 30, 2025, or sooner depending on the candidate's qualifications. The salary for this position will be wholly generated through externally funded research activities. The expected salary range is $170,000-$200,000, commensurate with qualifications and work experience.Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval. Please submit applications via Workday, to include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the name and contact information of three professional references. Please email Katie Spann at if you have any questions. Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. . Other Details Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

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