Postdoctoral Research – Culture Collaboratory Research Indigenous Socia

Overview

February 2, 2026. The Culture Collaboratory and the Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity Center (RISE), directed by Dr. Stephanie Fryberg, invite applications for a postdoctoral scholar to join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team focused on culture, education, identity, equity, stereotyping/prejudice, and narrative change. The scholar will work with a dynamic group of scholars committed to understanding how social and cultural contexts produce unequal outcomes and contribute to cutting-edge research that promotes equity and well-being for all.

Our team has two main research branches: the Culture Collaboratory branch (identity development, educational outcomes, and responses to adversity across schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems) and the RISE branch (stereotyping and prejudice, including Indigenous representation). The applicant will work with both branches to support shared research goals. The ideal candidate will have interests spanning education, culture, and stereotyping/prejudice techniques.

Our research uses a range of methods, including survey, field, and laboratory studies, and is supported by funding from organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Raikes Foundation, Bezos Family Foundation, and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. We aim to advance both theory and practice by developing research that addresses systemic inequities and supports meaningful social change.

• Examining identity threat, belonging, motivation, and performance across educational and organizational contexts
• Designing and evaluating culturally responsive interventions to foster inclusion and reduce disparities
• Evaluating how stereotyping and prejudice (e.g., contemporary omission and misrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples) affect individual and societal functioning (e.g., well-being, collective action, climate justice, perceived threats, violence against women, cultural identity, tribal equity, policy outcomes, etc.)
• Developing partnerships with school districts, Native communities, nonprofits, and other organizations to ensure our research is responsive to ongoing needs and has tangible impacts

We welcome applicants from interdisciplinary backgrounds with strong training in social and cultural psychology, excellent methodological and statistical skills (both quantitative and qualitative), and mastery of written and oral communication skills. Applicants should be passionate about using psychological science to address educational and social inequality and enjoy collaborative, team-based research and mentoring. Knowledge of or experience working with Indigenous communities, topics, and/or issues are an added benefit.

This is an on-site position based in Evanston, IL.

Effort. Appointment:
The initial appointment will be made at 100% time (70% research, 20% mentoring, 10% professional activity) for 1 year. This will be a 12-month position with the potential for renewal for subsequent years.

• PhD in Social Psychology, Sociology, Educational Psychology, or a related field
• Strong background in cultural and social psychology
• Proficiency in diverse quantitative (e.g., regression analysis, multilevel modeling, path analysis, factor analysis) and qualitative (e.g., interview data collection and analysis) methodological and analysis approaches
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in social or educational contexts
• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Knowledge of multiple statistical analysis programs (R preferred; SPSS, Mplus)
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Evidence of strong scientific writing skills (e.g., academic publications)

• Experience or demonstrated potential in securing external research grants
• Previous work with Indigenous communities, school districts, or other culturally diverse organizations
• Experience collecting data in K-12 educational settings (e.g., from teachers, students, and parents)

• General Project Management Activities
  • Supervising and coordinating ongoing grant activities, including data…