Description

Professor Elizabeth Roberto is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to collaborate on an NSF-funded research project, “Understanding the Relationship between the Social and Built Environment of Cities” (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2443178). The project examines how social processes and the built environment jointly produce and sustain spatial inequality. The position is based in the Department of Sociology at Rice University (https://sociology.rice.edu) in Houston, TX.

The position is for two years and will begin on July 1, 2026. The Postdoctoral Associate is expected to be in residence and to be actively engaged in the intellectual life of the Department of Sociology and the Center for Computational Insights on Inequality and Society. The position is structured to support the Postdoctoral Associate in advancing an independent research agenda alongside their work on the NSF-funded project. 

We especially encourage applicants with demonstrated experience in computational or quantitative methods, including spatial analysis and network analysis, particularly as applied to large-scale demographic and geographic data. We also seek candidates who are eager to expand their methodological skill sets, explore new substantive research areas, and challenge themselves intellectually through interdisciplinary and collaborative work. Experience coordinating collaborative research activities – such as managing data workflows, aligning research tasks across team members, and contributing to co-authored academic publications – as well as experience with reproducible research practices are desirable.

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting research to academic audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also pursuing independent research with minimal supervision.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple research tasks and deadlines.
• Openness to learning new methods, data sources, or relevant literatures, and a demonstrated interest in intellectual growth and skill development.
   

Essential Functions

• Design and conduct independent and collaborative research related to the project’s core themes.
• Prepare research findings for dissemination through peer-reviewed publications, reports, and conference presentations.
• Mentor, oversee, and/or train graduate and undergraduate research team members.
• Teaching responsibilities may include up to one undergraduate course during the two-year appointment.
• Contribute to project management activities, including coordination of research tasks and timelines.
• Design and implement research protocols; adapt procedures, methods, or analytical approaches as needed.
• Participate in research-related travel, workshops, and university-sponsored events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
   

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Letter of interest describing research experience and fit with the project.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Writing sample (published or unpublished; single-authored work is preferred).
• Names of three references who can supply letters of recommendation upon request.

Review of applications will begin February 12, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants must have completed all Ph.D. requirements prior to the start of the position. Inquiries may be directed to Professor Elizabeth Roberto (eroberto@rice.edu).

Requirements

Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in Sociology or a related field by the start date.