Senior Research Fellow, B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies

Title:                       Senior Research Fellow, B. Kenneth Simon Center for American     Studies

Reports to:              Vice President, Social and Domestic Policy

Job Summary:          The Senior Research Fellow advances the mission of the Simon Center for American Studies by conducting original scholarly research and producing influential writing that illuminates the religious, philosophical, and cultural foundations of the American republic. Serving as a leading subject-matter expert, the Fellow provides authoritative analysis on the role of religion in the American Founding and the enduring American ideal of ordered liberty.

The Senior Research Fellow strengthens Heritage’s scholarly and policy leadership by examining the Judeo-Christian natural law tradition as a foundation for American republicanism; advancing the Founders’ conviction that theism and natural moral law are public, not merely sectarian, truths; and applying founding principles to contemporary cultural and policy challenges. Through rigorous scholarship, public engagement, and collaboration across Heritage research centers, the Fellow equips policymakers and conservative leaders with arguments that defend human dignity, virtue, family, faith, and religious liberty, and integrates insights from the American Founding into Heritage’s broader policy priorities.

Job Duties:

• Scholarly Research and Writing: Produce high-impact papers, reports, op-eds, and books that advance conservative thought on the moral, historical, and philosophical foundations of the American republic, with particular emphasis on the influence of religious belief, theism, and the natural law tradition on the Founding, the Constitution, and American ideals.
• Public Advocacy: Represent Heritage through testimony before legislative bodies, speaking engagements at conferences, podcasts, media appearances, and private briefings to policymakers and coalition partners.
• Thought Leadership: Develop nuanced analyses that weigh competing interpretations of American history and ideals, including originalist, secularist, and progressivist readings of the Founding.
• Coalition and Convening: Build alliances with scholars, diverse religious leaders, and conservative organizations; help organize roundtables, symposia, and events that connect experts and advance Simon Center priorities.
• Institutional Collaboration: Work closely with the Simon Center Director, the Vice President of Social and Domestic Policy, and colleagues across Heritage to align research with organizational goals, edit the work of outside scholars, integrate Founding-era insights into policy recommendations, and ensure consistency with Heritage’s mission.
• Mentorship and Development: Mentor junior staff and fellows and support the Center’s efforts to cultivate the next generation of scholars committed to the American Republic.
• Other Duties: Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director or Vice President, including advice on programming and help in messaging for conservative audiences on the enduring relevance of our country.

Qualifications:

Education:             Graduate degree (PhD preferred, or MA/JD with exceptional record) in history, political philosophy, American studies, theology, law, or a closely related field

Experience:           15+ years of relevant scholarly or policy experience, with a strong track record of publications in prominent journals, websites, books, or policy outlets on topics related to the American Founding, religion in public life, or natural law

Communication:   Exceptional writing and public speaking abilities; proven capacity to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in print, broadcast, and digital media. Ability to engage diverse audiences, including academics, policymakers, religious communities, and the public

Expertise:              Deep familiarity with the primary sources of the American Founding, the natural law tradition, and the interplay of faith, reason, and the Western tradition in American political thought. Demonstrated ability to defend these ideas against revisionist critiques while steel manning opposing views

Technology:          Microsoft Suite

Other Requirements:

• • Understand and support The Heritage Foundation’s mission and vision for America, and the Simon Center’s goals and objectives.
  • Promote policies consistent with Heritage’s priorities; speak with one voice.
  • A recognized or emerging thought leader with intellectual ambition, creativity, and a commitment to cultural renewal through reasoned defense of American culture and principles.
  • Professionalism: highest possible degree (prudence, nuance, adaptability, maturity, integrity, and accountability).
  • Initiative: strong capacity for independent action with general guidance.

Benefits and Salary

The Heritage Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, best-in-class health care, vision, and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement funding, “take what you need” PTO and sick leave, generous paid parental leave, among other programs.

The salary range for this role is $170,000 - $200,000. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the final salary offered to a selected candidate depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, and other qualifications; internal and external market pay for comparable jobs; and level of hire based on qualifications.