Senior Research Associate

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Research Associate with deep expertise in character education, virtue development, and higher education to become a core member of the Virtues & Vocations team at the Institute for Social Concerns. Virtues & Vocations is a national social movement to reimagine the cultivation of character across the professions. This aspirational, cross-professional learning community understands thriving professions are the backbone of thriving societies and knows professional excellence requires both competence and character. Rooted in the University of Notre Dame’s founding commitment to vocational formation guided by a storied tradition of distinctively multi-disciplinary virtue education and scholarship, Virtues & Vocations invites students, scholars, and practitioners to experience the wonder and joy of a movement that fosters character in context and boldly contributes to the revival of genuine morality in civil society and the professions. Virtues & Vocations hosts faculty workshops, an annual conference, and monthly webinars, and engages issues of character, professional identity, and moral purpose through a bi-annual magazine, an annual peer reviewed academic journal, and a soon-to-be-launched web-based resource hub that includes explainer videos, short documentaries, case studies, syllabi, sample assignments, and articles. The Senior Research Associate will be a key contributor to a fast-paced, entrepreneurial team, contributing to a range of projects. Within the Virtues & Vocations portfolio, this role is particularly tasked with the development and implementation of the Integrating Virtue Together program, which includes designing, delivering, and evaluating a series of workshops for faculty from across the country who are committed to cultivating virtues through their courses. The ideal candidate will be an expert in this field and will provide high-touch support and guidance to faculty as they redesign their courses based on the program’s teachings. They will also support the IVT alumni network, developing communications, resources and programming that is responsive to our alumni network, which includes faculty from more than 80 colleges and universities. The Senior Research Associate will also translate the IVT framework for use on our web platform, will provide editorial support for Virtues & Vocations’ publications, and will write feature articles and case studies. We seek an energized colleague who is capable of managing multiple simultaneous projects and who can work independently and collaboratively to enhance the Institute’s programs through research and the identification of best practices. Strong experience in writing and virtue pedagogy is a must. This is a five-year, limited-term position. It is renewable contingent upon funding. What You Will Do Lead the Integrating Virtue Together program through the design, delivery, and evaluation of our workshop series. Provide mentoring and support for faculty and alumni participating in the program. Connect current research to the programmatic development of virtue and justice and incorporate these connections into Virtues & Vocations programming. Facilitate connections with Notre Dame faculty who are interested in making virtue more central to their courses and programs. Identify and apply for grants to provide ongoing support for the program. Serve as an editor for our magazine, Virtues and Vocations: Higher Education for Human Flourishing, and our academic journal, The Annual Review of Virtue and the Professions. Write one to two articles per month for our newsletter. Write short case studies and sample assignments for our web-based platform. Doctoral degree with or Master’s degree with 5 years of relevant experience. Experience developing scholarly networks nationally and internationally. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Teaching and program development experience. Ability to organize and present research material to professional audiences. Must be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects, and prioritize activities in response to changing circumstances and ongoing deadlines. RESUME & COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Please add in the attachments section of your application. Pay range: commensurate with experience Please submit your application by September 10, 2026. This position is a fully on-site position in South Bend, Indiana Benefits page: The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity. The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842 in Notre Dame, Indiana, is a premier American research university. As a Catholic institution, it uniquely blends faith with intellectual inquiry, striving for excellence in teaching, research, and serving the common good. Notre Dame offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for its diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, who are all dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus and being a force for good in the world. With world-class facilities, acclaimed academic programs, and a strong commitment to innovation and ethical leadership, Notre Dame is an ideal place to make a meaningful impact.