1. Key Information

The Violence, Inequality and Power Lab (VIP Lab) analyzes power inequalities that reinforce cycles of violence, generating ideas to advance peace. Engaging evidence with determination, we interrogate effective practice to build peace with justice, delivering practical and actionable content that partners can advance at various levels. The VIP Lab is part of the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice (Kroc IPJ) within the Kroc School at the University of San Diego. Learn more about the Kroc IPJ and how they seek to learn with partners on the website. 

Inequality is correlated with nearly all forms of violence, and yet, there remains a dearth of evidence and reflection on the ways in which unequal power relationships shape cycles of violence and the responses to such violence. This impedes our collective capacity to sufficiently analyze violence, resulting in ineffective and often harm-reinforcing solutions. 

Inequalities of power can be overt, the use of state security forces to exert control over certain groups, for example. Power imbalances are also subtle, the denial of experiences of victimhood to individuals who are perceived only as perpetrators. Power dynamics become embedded in systems of interaction within communities, between individuals and across economic and political institutions in ways that are central to the shaping, prevention and narration (the story that is told) of violence. 

To contribute to an exploration of these dynamics, the VIP Lab is seeking a Residential Fellow to be based in our office at the University of San Diego’s Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice. The goal of the fellowship program is to advance the research and explorations of how power inequalities impact violence, both in driving violence dynamics and influencing responses to it. 

For the 2025-2026 Fellowship year, the VIP Lab is looking to hone in on issues of narrative. Narrative can redefine reality, create feelings of belonging or exclusion, influence individual and group behavior, embed norms and values and mobilize action and responses to ideas or events that may lead to violence or may be central to mitigating violence. 

The VIP Lab is seeking applicants who are interested in exploring the role narratives play in structures and dynamics of power, and consequently, in driving or mitigating violence. The definition of narrative, in this case, is broad and includes the different modes and mediums of communication and ways of knowing (data, storytelling, speeches, memory, research and journalistic reporting) that are used to shape emotions and public opinion and reflect how we see the world. 

2. Areas of Research

The VIP Lab is interested in exploring the role narratives play in power dynamics and cycles of violence. We welcome applications from individuals exploring narratives vis-a-vis a range of different types of violence. The manifestations of violence (understanding there is overlap here rather than deep lines of distinction) we typically prioritize at the VIP Lab include: 

• Community Violence
  • Here we borrow from the definition used by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Community violence happens between unrelated individuals, who may or may not know each other, generally outside the home. Examples include assaults or fights among groups and shootings in public places, such as schools and on the streets.”
• Political Violence
  • We define political violence as individuals or groups using violence as a tool to influence political actors, political decisions or political processes. Political violence includes the following, as provided by Bridging Divides Initiative, “...partisan violence, or violence targeted at groups because of race, religion, or other group factors, perpetrated by the state or non-state actors.”
  • The strongest ideas here will take a multi-actor, rather than singular, perspective on how power dynamics influence the motivations for political violence.  
• Identity Based Violence:
  • Using the definitions provided by Protection Approaches, we consider identity based violence as the targeting of individuals or groups based on characteristics including race, gender, sexuality or religious affiliation or beliefs. This violence includes hate crimes, atrocities or terrorist attacks and can target individuals or entire communities on the basis of their identity, membership in a group or geography and often results in shifts in power between groups. 

In their applications, candidates should be explicit about indicating the type(s) - or manifestations - of violence that will be their focus. Note, it is entirely acceptable to focus on two types of violence and Fellows are not restricted to the above three types. Please be sure to clarify this in your proposal. 

Different modes of communication whether through media, online platforms, storytelling and entertainment  can reflect ideas of superiority and standards of ‘normalcy’ while also devaluing anyone or any idea that diverges from these norms. Diversity of or deviance from norms can be framed as threats to dominant groups or to the status quo and become the basis for stringent regulation, punishment or ostracism. The narrative pathway to violence is often punctuated by fear, anger and intolerance and is implicated in additional and multiple harms. Whichever sector or area the fellow chooses to focus on, the fellowship aims to provide an opportunity to interrogate how narratives reflect, capture and frame feelings of powerlessness and aspirations for power and how these factors drive violence. 

Potential questions to be answered during this fellowship include:

1. Are there typologies of narrative that hold more influence than others and more likely to mobilize action or responses? What are the components of different narratives that are more likely to lead to and justify violence?
2. How are narratives used to gain and solidify power among individuals, political parties or civic movements?
3. How do alternative ideas and voices enter the mainstream and influence collective action and key stakeholders?
4. What is the process of weaponizing language and how is it adopted to dehumanize, justify social and economic control or uphold violence as a solution?
5. What examples or models of narratives (counter narratives) to build trust, solidarity, peace and nonviolence exist?
6. What is the life cycle of narratives - how are they generated, by whom, and for what purpose? What qualities make some narratives ‘stick’ while others fade?
7. How are narratives a component of soft power, and how can they be effectively leveraged to shift attitudes and behaviors?
8. What are some noticeable shifts or trends in how narratives are being used to shape public opinion, energize constituents or demand accountability? Who or which entities seem to have purview over these shifts and how are they being controlled? 

Whatever the chosen focus of the work, during the 11-month fellowship, the selected Fellow will be expected to:

• Complete a public-facing research product (formats could include journal article, a policy brief, think piece, white paper, literature review) that explores how narrative is used to either reinforce power dynamics contribute to cycles of violence or used to push back against such dynamics;
• Engage with USD’s Kroc faculty and students and constituents across the USD system through brown bags, lectures or joint projects;
• Pursue opportunities to expand and reinforce their and the VIP Lab’s network;
• Take advantage of in-person and virtual forums to share their research with a wider audience of practitioners, policy-makers and academics within San Diego;
• Receive intellectual feedback through thought partnership from VIP Lab and Kroc IPJ;
• Agree to have their research shared publicly through a variety of means (written, in person, video, etc) and to engage in dialogue with counterparts on their work. 

3. Eligibility & Selection Criteria

Eligibility requirements:

• Research Experience
  • Familiarity with Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes or clear justification for why the research methodology will be exempt from IRB review.
  • Demonstrated educational and professional attainment is required to make clear that the candidate will be able to undertake quality research independently. This can be demonstrated through published work, certificates of achievement, non-published material with explanation of use, etc.
  • We encourage applicants who are interested in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, but do not have a preference for one over the other.  
• Education Requirement:
  • Masters Degree or equivalent required; preference for terminal degree combined with experience in applied research.
• Communication:
  • As an applied research institute, we place value not only on the quality of the research, but the ability of research to influence discussion.
  • Applicants must have a proven track record of strong communication, whether through public speaking, written material, video or otherwise.
  • English fluency: All applicants must be fluent in both written and spoken English.
• Team Work:
  • The Fellow will be considered a thought partner and a core part of the VIP Lab team. They will be expected to participate in team meetings, be a thought partner with VIP Lab staff, and contribute to discussion and exploration of new areas of research.
  • Applicants must be able to work independently and periodically share their progress and ideas in group settings for discussion and feedback.

Former VIP Lab Fellows are not eligible to apply.

Selection Criteria:

• Track record of producing high quality research.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, inform or shift conversations, whether within fields of practice, in the public dialogue, or within key institutions.
• Existence of a robust professional network.
• Determination to open dialogue on an underrepresented, under-researched or under-valued area of knowledge production.
• Capacity and interest in working with people who hold differing opinions.
• Evidence that the research can be adapted and applied into practice, either through policy, programming or grassroots activities.

To ensure our thinking is grounded, we highly encourage individuals with a range of experiences, including those listed below, to apply. Note, a background in one of these categories is not a requirement for the Fellowship:

• Justice involved individuals (People who have spent time in jails, youth correctional facilities, prisons, or gone through court-mandated diversion programs or been on probation). 
• Military veterans
• Members of communities experiencing harm and violence
• Artists and performers
• Journalists

4. Details & Community Expectations

Details on the Residential Fellowship:

• The selected Residential Fellow will be hired as temporary University staff. As taxable employees, the Residential Fellow will receive all typical USD benefits.
• The Fellow will be expected to follow University policy regarding work from home. Currently WFH is allowed one day a week. The Fellow will be expected to be on campus other days, with the exception of time spent doing fieldwork.
• Expected to dedicate up to 35 hours a week to their work.
• Expected to engage with the Kroc School. This includes guest speaking in graduate school classes, development of a practicum or short course in collaboration with Kroc School professors and seeking areas of collaboration with faculty.
• Applications open to all fields of practice and to global applicants, but all applicants are required to be already authorized to work in the U.S. (We will not be sponsoring work visas; please do not apply if you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have work authorization already in place.)
• Field research is encouraged but due to funding limitations, it cannot be supported through the fellowship. 

The University of San Diego Community:

The Fellow is expected to engage with members of the University of San Diego community, treating all community members with respect and professionalism.  

The University of San Diego includes “human dignity” as one of its core values: “We believe that a diversity of people, ideas, beliefs, languages, approaches to learning, and other forms of difference, are essential for education. We affirm the dignity of every person and strive to create a culture of respect and inclusivity. This conviction grounds our efforts to ensure that all members of our university community are able to thrive in every dimension of their lives.” Fellows are expected to treat everyone with respect, including people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, disabilities, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, and countries of origin, among other categories.

If at any point the selected Fellow does not meet or follow the requirements and expectations listed during their Fellowship, the Kroc IPJ has the right to revoke their Fellowship.

5. Timeline

Fellowship Dates:  August 18, 2025 - July 17, 2026

February 3, 2025: Applications open
February 28, 2025: Applications close, 17:00 Pacific Time
April 14, 2025: Interviews for selected applicants
May 12, 2025; Selection and offers sent out
August 18, 2025: Fellowship begins 

6. How to Apply

Please follow this link to apply: https://jobs.sandiego.edu/cw/en-us/job/496893/vip-lab-fellow-residential 

In your application please include the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae or Resume. Please limit it to five pages.
2. Two page cover letter explaining how this Fellowship complements your academic or professional work, how it will contribute to your professional growth, and how your research will support the objectives of the VIP Lab and be applied outside academia.
3. Research Abstract - 800 words or less:
   1. Explain how your exploration of narratives will reveal dynamics of power and inequality correlated to cycles of harm and violence. Please include the type(s) of violence you are focusing on and how your research will contribute to existing knowledge and practice.
   2. Explain your research methodology. Please provide sufficient detail to make clear that you have substantive knowledge of the topic area from which to design and launch your research upon starting the fellowship.
   3. Explain your thinking regarding the final research product. This can be a journal article, a policy brief, think piece, white paper, literature review or in another format agreed to with the VIP Lab Director. What would work the best for your topic, your audience and what you are trying to achieve?
   4. Please include your intention as to whether your research will focus on a specific geographic area or be more topical in nature. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• If I am moving to San Diego for this role, will the flight or relocation be covered by Kroc IPJ?
  • The cost of one flight to San Diego will be covered. As will the cost of one return flight home at the completion of the fellowship. Other relocation expenses (movers, storage units, etc) will not be covered.
• Will housing be provided?
  • No, housing will not be provided. USD does provide some housing information, but San Diego is a tight housing market. Residential fellows who choose to move to San Diego should do their own research on the cost of living in San Diego to determine whether it is a good match for them personally and financially.
• Will I have to undergo a background check?
  • Yes. A background check will be conducted by the University of San Diego. You can read more here.
• Deliverables: what are the timelines for final research plan, drafts and other deliverables?
  • You will be required to complete a public-facing research product (journal article, policy brief, think piece, white paper, literature review, etc) that explores how narrative is used to either reinforce power dynamics, contribute to cycles of violence or used to push back against such dynamics. The final product must be completed by the end of the Fellowship and will be distributed on the VIP Lab website. A plan for the final product must be shared and approved in coordination with the VIP Lab Director no later than six months after the start of the fellowship. 
• Will you provide access to research resources? Such as access to the University of San Diego library?
  • Yes, all USD employees are granted access to library resources with their work email. 

For any additional questions, please contact VIP Lab Director Rachel Locke: rlocke@sandiego.edu.