Stanford Law School is inviting applications for the Stanford Law School Empirical Research Fellowship 2027, a full-time opportunity for graduating seniors and recent graduates interested in quantitative research, public policy, economics, law, and social science. The fellowship offers successful candidates the opportunity to work directly with Stanford Law School faculty on policy-relevant empirical research while gaining valuable experience for future graduate, law, or business school studies. The fellowship is expected to begin in Summer 2027, although applicants who are available to start earlier may also be considered. Selected fellows will receive competitive compensation, with an annualized salary range of approximately $65,312 to $72,800, alongside access to Stanford University benefits, professional development opportunities, and academic resources. The first-round application deadline is 7:00 AM PST on Friday, October 23, 2026. About the Stanford Law School Empirical Research Fellowship The Stanford Law School Empirical Research Fellowship provides early-career researchers with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience conducting rigorous quantitative and empirical social science research. Research fellows will assist Stanford Law School faculty members, including economist Dr. John J. Donohue, on projects addressing important policy and social science questions. Fellows may contribute to different stages of the research process, from collecting and organizing data to conducting statistical analyses, developing empirical methodologies, interpreting results, and preparing research reports and manuscripts. The programme is particularly suitable for individuals considering future studies in: Economics Political science Sociology Law Public policy Statistics Computer science Applied mathematics Business and related fields The fellowship can provide an important foundation for candidates seeking to strengthen their academic research experience before applying to graduate school. A Strong Pathway to Graduate and Professional Schools The fellowship has supported the academic progression of previous research fellows. Over the past five years, former fellows have gone on to pursue PhD studies at leading institutions, including programmes in economics and sociology at universities such as Berkeley, Columbia, Harvard, MIT, Northwestern, Penn State, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Previous fellows have also matriculated at highly competitive law schools, including Stanford Law School and Yale Law School. This makes the fellowship an attractive opportunity for recent graduates seeking intensive research experience and greater exposure to academic research before making decisions about postgraduate education. Fellowship Duration and Commitment The Stanford Law School Empirical Research Fellowship is a full-time position beginning in Summer 2027. The initial fellowship appointment lasts for one year. However, fellows may have an opportunity to renew their appointment for a second year, depending on their performance and mutual agreement between the faculty supervisor and the fellow. Applicants will also indicate whether they are interested in participating for one year or potentially two years. This response will not bind successful candidates to their initial choice. Key Responsibilities The responsibilities of research fellows may vary depending on the faculty member and research project. However, successful applicants can expect to participate in several important aspects of empirical research. Key responsibilities may include: Collecting, managing, cleaning, and structuring quantitative datasets Developing and conceptualizing suitable empirical methodologies and research models Conducting statistical analysis of complex datasets Applying causal inference and machine learning methods where appropriate Interpreting research findings and statistical results Communicating with government officials, industry stakeholders, and research collaborators Supporting report writing and manuscript preparation Contributing to policy-relevant empirical social science research Working independently while managing multiple research responsibilities The position offers practical exposure to the full research process and is therefore particularly valuable for candidates seeking to build strong quantitative and analytical research skills. Eligibility and Qualifications Stanford Law School is seeking highly motivated applicants with strong academic credentials and an interest in empirical research. Applicants should ideally have experience or training in a quantitative discipline such as: Economics Political science Computer science Statistics Applied mathematics Other relevant quantitative or social science disciplines Applicants should also demonstrate training or familiarity with causal inference and/or machine learning methods. A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in the social sciences or another relevant field. Other desired qualifications include: Outstanding academic performance Strong intellectual curiosity and creativity Ability to take initiative Excellent problem-solving skills Strong time-management abilities Capacity to work effectively with minimal supervision Exceptional analytical and research writing skills Interest in complex empirical research questions Programming experience is strongly preferred. Candidates with experience using R, Python, Stata, or other relevant statistical and programming languages may have an advantage. Prior research experience and coursework in empirical social sciences are preferred but are not required, making this an important opportunity for strong early-career applicants who can demonstrate relevant academic preparation and research potential. Salary and Benefits Selected fellows will be employed full-time by Stanford University. The budgeted hourly salary range is $31.40 to $35.00 per hour. Based on 2,080 working hours per year, this is equivalent to an estimated annual salary of approximately $65,312 to $72,800. The final compensation offered will depend on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, responsibilities, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market considerations. In addition to salary, fellows may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Medical insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Paid vacation time Professional development funds Access to campus academic facilities Access to campus athletic facilities Free attendance at selected Stanford lectures and seminars Opportunities to audit Stanford courses free of charge Fellows may also be eligible, with approval from their faculty supervisor, to take one course per quarter, up to a maximum of five units, with tuition paid by the department. Additional restrictions may apply. How to Apply for the Stanford Law School Fellowship 2027 The application process includes a dual application requirement. Applicants must submit their application materials through Stanford’s career site using Job Number: 200728 and also complete the fellowship’s online application process. Candidates will be required to submit the following documents: A brief cover letter explaining their interest in the fellowship A current resume An undergraduate transcript, with unofficial transcripts accepted A short academic writing sample, preferably related to empirical research or social science Contact information for at least two academic references Additional references, where relevant, who can speak to professional skills and character Optional additional documents, such as GRE, LSAT, or GMAT scores The writing sample is an important component of the application. Stanford Law School particularly encourages applicants to submit work demonstrating their understanding of empirical, econometric, or statistical methodologies. Suitable examples may include an honors thesis, class research paper, journal article, or a well-developed research proposal. Applicants should ensure that their writing sample reflects work for which they were the sole author or a major contributor. International Applicants and Work Authorization Applicants with Optional Practical Training (OPT) temporary employment authorization are eligible to apply. Depending on individual circumstances, Stanford may also sponsor J-1 visas for the position. This may make the fellowship accessible to eligible international candidates who meet the programme’s academic and employment requirements. Application Deadline There will be two rounds of application review. The first-round deadline is 7:00 AM PST on Friday, October 23, 2026. Applications received before this deadline are guaranteed to be reviewed while a fellowship position remains available. Applications may continue to be accepted after the first-round deadline. However, preference will be given to candidates who submit their applications during the first review round. Early application is therefore strongly encouraged. Why Apply for the Stanford Law School Empirical Research Fellowship? The Stanford Law School Empirical Research Fellowship 2027 offers a highly competitive opportunity for aspiring researchers to develop advanced quantitative, analytical, programming, and academic writing skills while working on policy-relevant research at one of the world’s leading universities. With an annualized salary of up to $72,800, comprehensive employee benefits, access to Stanford’s academic environment, and opportunities to audit courses and attend lectures and seminars, the fellowship provides both professional and academic development opportunities. For graduating seniors and recent graduates interested in pursuing a PhD, law degree, master’s degree, MBA, or another advanced qualification, the fellowship could provide valuable experience and a strong foundation for future academic and professional opportunities. Interested applicants should carefully prepare their application materials and submit their applications before the first-round deadline of October 23, 2026. APPLY FOR THE STANFORD LAW SCHOOL EMPIRICAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP 2027 Interested candidates can find full fellowship details and complete the online application through Stanford Law School’s official Empirical Research Fellowship page. Applicants should also complete the required submission through Stanford’s career site using Job Number 200728. Stay connected with Global South Opportunities for the latest scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, grants, and career opportunities. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel and be the first to discover new opportunities. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW