Stanford Law School is hiring early career researchers for its Empirical Research Fellowship 2027. The position pays between $65312 and $72800 per year. Fellows receive full Stanford University benefits. They can audit courses at no cost.
Previous fellows have moved on to PhD programs at Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Northwestern and Berkeley. Others have entered law school at Stanford and Yale.
The first-round deadline is 23 October 2026 at 7:00 AM PST. Applications submitted before that date are guaranteed review while a position remains open. Later applications may still be considered but without guarantee. Apply early.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Stanford Law School Empirical Research Fellowship 2027 |
| Host | Stanford Law School Stanford University USA |
| Type | Full-time paid research position |
| Start date | Summer 2027 earlier start considered |
| Duration | 1st year renewal for second year possible |
| Salary | $65312 to $72800 per year |
| Who can apply | Graduating seniors and recent graduates |
| International | OPT-eligible J-1 visa sponsorship possible |
| First-round deadline | 23 October 2026 at 7:00 AM PST |
| Job number | 200728 Stanford career site |
What This Fellowship Is
The fellowship places early career researchers alongside Stanford Law School faculty working on policy-relevant quantitative research.
Fellows collect and structure datasets. They run statistical analyses. They apply causal inference and machine learning methods. They help prepare manuscripts for peer review.
The work sits at the meeting point of economics, law, public policy and social science. Fellows work with faculty, including economist Dr. John J. Donohue whose research has addressed policy questions in crime, guns and criminal justice.
For someone planning a PhD or graduate school application, this experience turns a strong academic record into a research ready profile.
The Alumni Track Record
Former fellows have gone on to PhD programs at:
- Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Northwestern economics and sociology
- Berkeley, Penn State University of Pennsylvania University of Wisconsin-Madison
Others have entered Stanford Law School and Yale Law School.
The fellowship provides intensive faculty supervised research experience. PhD admissions committees at elite programs look for exactly this kind of background. Applicants with strong undergraduate records but limited research experience can close that gap here.
The Compensation Package
The annual salary ranges from $65312 to $72800. The exact offer depends on qualifications, experience and departmental factors.
Full-time Stanford University employees are eligible for:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Paid vacation time
- Professional development funds
- Access to Stanford campus academic and athletic facilities
- Free attendance at selected Stanford lectures and seminars
- Ability to audit Stanford courses at no cost
With faculty supervisor approval, fellows may take one course per quarter up to five units with tuition covered by the department. This access to Stanford coursework is valuable for graduate school preparation.
Who Should Apply
The fellowship targets graduating seniors and recent graduates with quantitative training and interest in empirical research.
Strong applicants typically have:
- A bachelor’s degree, preferably in social sciences, economics, political science, statistics, computer science, applied mathematics or a related field
- Training or familiarity with causal inference and machine learning methods
- Programming experience in R, Python, Stata or similar tools strongly preferred but not required
- Outstanding academic performance
- Strong analytical and research writing skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
Prior research experience is preferred but not required. The program is designed for early career applicants who can show research potential.
If your undergraduate degree involved rigorous quantitative methods and you are deciding on the next step before graduate school this fellowship is worth a serious application.
International Applicants
International students can apply with conditions.
Applicants with Optional Practical Training OPT authorization are eligible. Stanford may sponsor J-1 visas depending on individual circumstances.
If you are an international graduate currently on OPT or planning to be this position is accessible. Confirm your authorization status before applying. Contact Stanford’s international office if you have questions about visa eligibility.
The Application Process
Two separate submissions are required:
- Apply through Stanford’s career site using Job Number 2007/28
- Complete the fellowship’s own online application separately
Missing either one means an incomplete application. Both must be submitted.
Required documents:
- Cover letter explaining your interest in the fellowship
- Current resume
- Undergraduate transcript unofficial accepted
- Academic writing sample, empirical or social science focus preferred
- Contact information for at least two academic references
- Optional GRE LSAT or GMAT scores
On the writing sample, Stanford encourages work that shows understanding of empirical econometric or statistical methods. An honors thesis, research paper journal article or developed research proposal qualifies. The sample should be work where you were the sole author or a major contributor. Group projects where your individual contribution is unclear are less useful.
Prepare the writing sample early. Do not leave it until the week before the deadline.
One Year or Two
The initial appointment is for one year beginning in summer 2027.
Fellows who perform well may renew for a second year, subject to mutual agreement with their faculty supervisor. During the application candidates indicate interest in one or two years. That response is not binding. It simply gives the selection committee useful context.
If you are undecided indicate openness to both.
I will join your research