Policy Research Methods & Peer-Reviewed Publication Tutor (Mixed-Methods Focus)

Hiring a dynamic tutor to help non-profit policy analysts to convert high-volume, real-time policy documentation into submission-ready manuscripts for peer-reviewed policy journals (e.g., Policy Studies Journal, Journal of Public Policy, Public Administration Review ). This is a methodological structuring and publication pipeline role . Applicants with verifiable peer-reviewed publications (DOI) in relevant journals will be prioritized for this role.

LOCALS ONLY.

Applicants must be in California, be strongly familiar with google docs platform, and available for up to 20 hours a week to start. This is a 1099 independent contractor position. Required Qualifications (non-negotiable) PhD (completed or ABD) in Public Policy, Political Science (public policy / governance focus), Public Administration, or similar degrees. At least 2 peer-reviewed publications in recognized policy or public administration journals (must provide citations and DOI links; working papers do NOT count) Demonstrated experience writing: methods sections for qualitative or mixed-methods research , case study or policy process papers Familiarity with journals such as: Policy Studies Journal, Journal of Public Policy, Governance, Public Administration Review, or similar. Strongly Preferred Experience with process tracing qualitative coding frameworks, discourse analysis Prior involvement in revise & resubmit (R&R) cycles, peer review (as reviewer or author) Academic library access and coding software such as Dedoose, Python, and SPSS.

Responsibilities Translate raw documentation into:

clear research questions bounded datasets derived from ongoing documentation streams Build paper structures including: introduction (problem framing + literature positioning) methods section (critical responsibility) findings and policy implications

Identify:

appropriate journals for submission fit based on argument, method, and tone Provide line-by-line restructuring guidance , not just feedback Train client to: think in publishable units (papers, not posts) anticipate reviewer objections Explicit Non-Responsibilities Not copyediting Not "improving prose" Not ghostwriting opinion pieces Not general academic coaching Required Application Materials Applicants must submit: 2 published peer-reviewed articles (PDF or links) A methods section excerpt they authored (clearly identified) A brief written response (300-500 words): "How would you convert a continuous stream of policy-related field documentation into a bounded dataset suitable for a peer-reviewed article?" Failure to provide these = automatic disqualification. Screening Questions "Walk through how you would define a dataset from an ongoing archive." "What differentiates a publishable qualitative methods section from descriptive writing?" "Describe a revise-and-resubmit you've gone through and what changed." Applicants without verifiable peer-reviewed publications in relevant journals will not be considered. Teaching experience alone is insufficient.

Pay:

$36.50 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Application Question(s): Walk through how you would define a dataset from an ongoing archive. What differentiates a publishable qualitative methods section from descriptive writing? Describe a revise-and-resubmit you've gone through and what changed.

Education:

Doctorate (Required)

Location:

San Diego, CA 92122 (Required)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in San Diego, CA 92122