What We’re Looking For

The Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University, directed by Dr. Byron Johnson, is seeking to fill one Postdoctoral Research Associate position to work on the Global Flourishing Study (www.globalflourishingstudy.com). This position is for one year and has the possibility for annual renewal (up to two years) dependent upon funding, performance, and mutual agreement. The position will begin August 1, 2024. We are seeking candidates with excellent research and publication experience in the areas of psychology, public health, sociology, economics, theology, or a related discipline, with a focus on the study of well-being and human flourishing. Postdoctoral Research Associates will work with an interdisciplinary team of over 40 researchers led by Dr. Johnson and Dr. Tyler VanderWeele (of Harvard University) to analyze and publish papers on data collected from the Global Flourishing Study.

About the Global Flourishing Study 

The Global Flourishing Study is a collaboration between social and biomedical researchers at Baylor University and the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, along with Gallup and the Center for Open Science, to investigate the determinants of human flourishing around the world. This $43.4 million initiative involves a five-year study of 200,000 individuals, representing 22 countries globally, with annual data collection across a broad range of well-being outcomes. The panel will include individuals from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Poland, Turkey, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The GFS is financially supported by the John Templeton Foundation, Templeton Religion Trust, Templeton World Charity Foundation, Well-Being for Planet Earth, Fetzer Institute, Well Being Trust, Paul Foster Family Foundation and the David & Carol Myers Foundation. 

• Learn more about the Global Flourishing Study
• Read the Questionnaire Development Report

Minimum Qualifications 

• A Ph.D. in an applicable field, primarily psychology, public health, sociology, economics
• Experience with advanced quantitative methods and analyses 
• Strong research and writing skills
• Ability to work both independently and in group environments
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an understanding of the different needs of our research team

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with longitudinal datasets 
• Excellent publication track record in well-being and flourishing research
• Experience in cross-cultural studies and global research datasets

What You Will Do

• Assist project directors in implementing research on data from the Global Flourishing Study 
• Analyze data from longitudinal datasets across 22 countries
• Perform descriptive and multivariable statistical analysis 
• Work with co-researchers on research constructs as primary author, secondary author, or critical reviewer
• Present publications and research results at conferences and symposiums
• Participate in regular research team discussions
• Provide support to grant projects as needed (project updates, conference planning, etc.)
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
• Ability to comply with University policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

Required Documents for Application

• Cover Letter describing your research experience, interests, and goals
• Curriculum Vita (CV) 
• A research-based writing sample
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Review of Applications will begin June 17, 2024.

The budgeted salary that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $47,500.

The full salary range for this position classification is $42,974.63- $70,908.14. 

This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certification, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs.

Questions:

For further questions about the position, please reach out to Dr. Alex Fogleman at Alex_Fogleman@Baylor.edu

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Illuminate. Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally. If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!