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Research Director for Election Law Center (Research Faculty I 12 Month Visiting)

PublishedPublished: 10/14/2026
Adjunct / Professor
Department

College of Law

Responsibilities

The Research Director of the College of Law Election Law Center will be responsible for conducting and overseeing the Center's empirical and statistical research projects and preparing reports and articles to disseminate the results of this research to academic, governmental, and public audiences. The Director will be involved in developing methodologies for conducing the Center's studies, obtaining the necessary data, and conducting rigorous statistical analysis.

The research the Director will oversee focuses on various election administration issues and legal questions relating to the electoral process. For example, the Center seeks to compare expert witness predictions concerning the likely impact of changes to election-related rules and procedures on metrics such as voter registration or turnout to the actual results of those legal provisions (when they are allowed to take effect). This study will help determine the accuracy and reliability of various methodologies, models, data sets, and statistical techniques frequently employed in election-related litigation. Likewise, the Center seeks to update earlier studies concerning the accuracy of information contained within voter registration databases and the inclusion of ineligible registrants, particularly in light of the rise of automatic voter registration, online registration, and interstate systems facilitating the exchange of voter information among certain states. From a qualitative perspective, the Center will also examine differences among states' laws governing provisional ballots and canvassing.

Additionally, the Research Director will assist the Executive Director of the Election Law Center in cultivating and sustaining external and internal partnerships to advance the Center's short-term and long-term goals.

Qualifications

A PhD in political science, mathematics, statistics, or economics is required. Applicants with PhDs in public administration, public policy, or related fields will be considered on a case-by-case basis if they have extensive training and experience with statistical analysis and empirical research.

Preferred Qualifications

Required Skills
  • Background in quantitative and statistical analysis
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • A collaborative and solutions-focused mentality

Contact Info

Maureen Wagner Vinson

Executive Director of Election Law Center

Florida State University College of Law

Mwagner3@law.fsu.edu

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses .

Anticipated Salary Range

Anticipated salary range: $110,000-negotiable, depending upon experience.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculato r to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific Faculty job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Faculty Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include education details even if attaching a Vita.

Considerations

This is a Faculty position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check .

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.