Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences is seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual for a full-time postdoctoral scholar position to work on grant-funded research examining relational commitments to religious others as foundational to a unique form of religious pluralism (covenantal pluralism), and how this may be promoted by intellectual humility, courage, religious literacy, and interactions between these qualities. The postdoc will work closely with Dr. Elizabeth Krumrei Mancuso and a dynamic interdisciplinary team of scholars in psychology, philosophy, and religious studies.

This position lasts one-year, but is renewable for up to three years total, depending on performance. This position is funded by a grant from The Templeton Religion Trust (TRT-2023-31765). This is an ideal role for an early-career scholar seeking research experience, publishing opportunities, leadership roles, and expanded expertise in the areas of virtues, moral identity, group membership, inter-group dynamics, and the psychology of religiousness and spirituality. The target start date for the position is in May or June, 2026. This position is open until filled and review of applications will begin April 13, 2026.

Duties

• Design and execute grant-related empirical research which will include reviewing published literature and designing, implementing, and summarizing complex statistical analyses 
• Write and publish papers in peer-reviewed journals 
• Collaborate with faculty and other researchers on related projects
• Mentor, train, and supervise undergraduate psychology student researchers who are involved in data collection 
• Provide expert psychological consultation to the philosophy and religious studies grant team members to enrich their work from a psychological perspective 
• Identify, initiate, and manage professional partnerships with external scholars studying relevant topics 
• Identify, initiate, and manage relationships with community partners who can support data collection from participants in real-world contexts 
• Present research findings at professional psychology conferences 
• Perform other duties as assigned, including contributing to grant reporting activities 
• Uphold University mission through work performed

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in Psychology
• Strong background in research methods, statistics, and data visualization, including documented experience planning and executing studies involving factor analysis, SEM, and multilevel models
• Demonstrated interest or expertise in one or more of the following domains: group membership, moral identity, intellectual humility, courage, religious literacy, inter- group dynamics, or values
• Track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to work within business hours of the Pacific Time zone

Preferred:

• Prior experience with longitudinal research among community samples
• Prior experience with experience sampling methods
• Prior experience with scale development and validation
• Prior experience with research project management with community samples
• Prior experience with qualitative methodology and analysis

This is a Restricted, Exempt, 40 hour per week position that may be eligible for remote or hybrid work in accordance with the University Policy Manual.

To Apply:

To apply, please submit a PDF document that includes a cover letter followed by your CV as part of your application form. In your cover letter, please include the following:

• Describe your interest in the position.
• Describe your qualifications for the position, including with of the required and preferred knowledge/skills you possess and how these are demonstrated.
• Indicate in which statistical analysis program(s) you are proficient.
• Indicate whether you have a preference or requirement for the position to be remote or in-person in Malibu, CA.
• Indicate your earliest available start date.
• Provide two references from whom we should expect letters of recommendation. You may provide additional references, if desired.
• Finally, please have two references submit letters of recommendation by email to elizabeth.mancuso@pepperdine.edu.

Expected Pay Rate: $75,920 per year 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, and staff represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine is permitted under applicable law and reserves the right to seek, hire, and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists who support Pepperdine's Christian mission.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose any criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.