About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description

This Postdoctoral Researcher position is with the Labor Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The Labor Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst conducts labor education, community outreach, and labor research. Founded in 1964, the program focuses on labor and workers’ rights, distinguishing it from joint labor-management programs. Today, it is the premier worker-side Labor Studies degree program in the US, offering three master’s degree programs. With over 1,000 alumni, Labor Center graduates are leaders in the labor movement and workers’ rights issues across the world. The faculty affiliated with the Labor Center are engaged with original research that examines the pressing labor issues of the times, including the quality of jobs, the changing nature of work, inequalities, unions, and collective action. The Labor Center regularly hosts conferences to bring labor researchers and community members into conversation.

This Postdoctoral Researcher position offers an exciting opportunity to pursue collaborative and independent research in the area of labor sociology. The position allows for 50% time for independent research on labor topics. The Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to share that research with a public facing audience, in addition to traditional academic audiences. This work offers flexibility for the researcher to pursue independent research in a range of areas that include but are not limited to: labor movements in the U.S.; comparative labor movements; strikes and collective action; just transition; labor process; gig work and other work arrangements, collective bargaining, race, gender, and labor in US unions, workers centers, and workplaces.

The other 50% of the time will be in support of the Labor Center’s research and outreach, with the broad theme of “The Future of Work and Workers.” The Postdoctoral Researcher will work directly with the Labor Center Director (Jasmine Kerrissey), Professor of Practice (Clare Hammonds), and associated Labor Center faculty on applied labor research. The project will be determined by the specific expertise of the Postdoctoral Researcher and needs of the Labor Center. The position also has the potential to teach a Labor Studies course. 

This is an on-site position at the UMass Amherst campus in Amherst, MA, with the possibility of some remote work during the week. Residency in the area is expected. It is a one-year position with a possibility of renewal for a second year, contingent upon performance and the availability of funding.

Essential Functions

• Participates in Labor Center events, meetings, and student engagement.
• Develops and disseminates independent labor research.
• Works with Labor Center team to provide research support for a Labor Center research project.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in sociology required by the time of hire.
• Have been academically active for no longer than 4 years post-PhD.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the labor movement and workers’ rights issues and organizations.

Additional Information

• Anticipated start date is September 1, 2025, but may be negotiated.

Application Instructions

Please submit a CV, cover letter, writing sample, and contact information for 3 professional references along with the application. Review of applications will continue until the position has been filled.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.