Stanford University

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Homelessness and Crime in California: Causes, Consequences, and Policy Options

This postdoctoral fellowship, offered through the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, will enable the researcher to investigate the causes and consequences of homelessness and crime in California and especially in the Los Angeles area specifically. Emphasis will be given to evidence-based research that sheds light on the impact of public policies at the federal, state, and local level on homelessness, crime, and related outcomes.

The researcher will collaborate with Mark Duggan (SIEPR Director) and Frank Wolak (Director of SIEPR’s California Policy Research Initiative) with this research building on SIEPR’s expanding focus on California and L.A.-specific policy issues. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and on the local, state, and national policies that were enacted in response.

The researcher will begin integrating survey and administrative data for this empirically oriented research. Experience in using linked data such as the Enterprise Linkages Project data is highly valued. The primary goal will be to investigate and critically evaluate current and past government policies in this arena while using empirical evidence to inform future policy reforms. The researcher will investigate the effects of public policies on people’s behavior, utilization of safety net programs, quality of life, and business environment and innovation. The researcher will be expected to publish in leading economics and/or public policy journals.

Required Qualifications:
• Completed Doctoral degree between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2022 with quantitative training and research experience in economics, public policy, criminology, urban studies/planning, sociology, or a related field.
• Strong skills in Stata or other statistical software packages
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Experience in conducting empirical research on California’s housing markets and housing policy, homelessness, crime, and policy impacts a plus but not a requirement

Required Application Materials:
• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter explaining your interest in the position
• One or two research papers

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.