Assistant Dean for Postdoctoral Affairs

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

The University of Notre Dame Graduate School plays a crucial role in supporting postdoctoral scholars, ensuring that Notre Dame researchers drive positive, real-world impact. With internationally recognized research programs, the University attracts top postdoctoral talent from around the globe. We are seeking a driven, process-minded, and collaborative partner to advance our mission of delivering exceptional postdoctoral training and support.

The Graduate School is seeking a highly motivated Assistant Dean for the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. We need an individual with strategic, administrative, management, organizational, communication, and facilitation skills to direct the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. This position reports to the Graduate School Associate Dean for Professional Development and plays a vital role in advancing the University’s efforts to support postdoctoral scholars.
The Assistant Dean for Postdoctoral Affairs will lead the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and has responsibilities in the following areas:
 

Operations

The Assistant Dean will direct the operations of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. 

• Oversee and help administer the appointment process for postdoctoral scholars and non-faculty research positions 
• Collaborate with Human Resources, General Counsel, International Student & Scholar Affairs, and hiring departments to continually optimize workflows 
• Manage program communications, such as newsletters and web updates 
• Supervise the Program Coordinator and guide their day-to-day work responsibilities and key deliverables
• Partner with individual colleges and campus units to streamline administrative support and strengthen institutional partnerships. 

Strategic Leadership

The Assistant Dean will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for all campus activities that include postdoctoral scholars. 

• Coordinate campus-wide Postdoctoral Scholar Working Group
• Launch and support an advisory committee for postdoctoral scholars
• Assist University leaders in developing policy regarding postdoctoral scholars 
• Assist postdoctoral scholars to resolve administrative challenges

Professional Development and Community Building 

The Assistant Dean will design, manage, and facilitate a robust portfolio of professional development, leadership, and ethics programming for postdoctoral scholars, collaborating closely with key Graduate School stakeholders, including the Graduate School program directors for Ethics and Professional Development and the Operations and Communications Team. 

• Coordinate the Annual Notre Dame Postdoc Spotlight competition 
• Partner with individual colleges and campus units to deliver coordinated programming for postdoctoral scholars
• Develop and present new professional development initiatives
• Co-host the annual scholars’ holiday reception

Data Analysis

The Assistant Dean will direct the end-to-end process of data collection, analysis, and reporting to guide strategic choices and measure program efficacy. 

• Administer entrance/exit surveys
• Manage the Postdoctoral Scholar Annual Report collection and report the resulting data to stakeholders
• Ad hoc reporting and analysis

Benchmarking and Process Improvement

The Assistant Dean will be charged with assessing and modifying, as necessary, current activities and processes, benchmarking other universities, and incubating new initiatives in response to college and program needs.

• Engage with regional and national working groups, researching and incorporating peer-institution best practices to maintain a competitive, high-standard postdoctoral program

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D., J.D., or Ed.D. required
• 3-4 years of experience as a postdoctoral scholar or working with postdoctoral scholars
• Strong leader
• Strong relationship builder
• Strong facilitator
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strategic planning
• Managerial experience
• Problem solving
• Analytical skills
• Project management skills
• Experience in facilitating training sessions or other types of large group meetings

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of OnBase, Banner, Personnel Actions, Interfolio preferred.

Application Deadline: December 6, 2026

Required Documents: A resume or CV and cover letter are required to be considered for this position. Please upload both documents in the attachments section of your application

Location: This is an on-site position based in South Bend, Indiana.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.