Adjunct Researcher - Political Science – Measurement Specialist

 Job Title: Adjunct Researcher - Political Science – Measurement Specialist

Posting End Date: October 22, 2026

*NOTE: Last day to apply is Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 11:59pm (MT)

Position Start Date: November 2, 2026

Required Degree: 

Ph.D. or Masters’ Degree. The required degree must be completed by the start date. 

Experience: 

The selected candidate will have practical experience designing and implementing measurement tools for social science research.

Duties/Expectations: 

• Design and implement measures of effective civil discourse that can be used in university classrooms, interpersonal conversations, and community events. These measures may be focused on (but are not limited to) affect towards perceived ideological adversaries, accurate understanding of adversaries’ positions and beliefs, perceived effectiveness of interventions, perceived mutual regard and respect, etc.
• Regularly consult with professors, the grant manager, and other interested parties about how civil discourse can be effectively measured. Measurements will focus on two main areas: 1) University classrooms. The successful candidate will work with instructors of civil discourse classes to design measurements that will be useful for course instruction and evaluation. 2) University events. Additionally, BYU holds several events focused on improving civil discourse, and the successful candidate will preemptively come up with measures to assess whether these efforts are effective. 
• Review, analyze, and report on measures of civil discourse. Ideally, the successful candidate will improve measures of civil discourse in light of previous data and analysis. 
• Not expected to participate in faculty meetings or serve on department committees.

Documents Required at the Time of Application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter, and Mission Alignment Statement (instructions below) to the faculty application.

Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered. 

This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it “bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel” (Spencer W. Kimball).

If you are not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend. All employees are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrines of the affiliated church.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.