Applicants should have demonstrated interest in early childhood education research, practice, and policy, especially as it pertains to improving access to high-quality early childhood learning opportunities at scale. Postdoctoral research associates will have opportunities to pursue independent research and will also contribute to research on projects led by a mentor or co-mentor. Postdoctoral research associates may receive mentoring on ways to prepare grant proposals, improve teaching and mentoring skills, conduct rigorous research, and form research, practice, policy partnerships. They will have the opportunity gain knowledge and skills through attendance in research meetings, talks, and workshops within the University and externally as appropriate.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Disseminate research findings at professional conferences, in scholarly journals, and in practitioner and policy outlets, working in collaboration with principal investigators and other faculty and graduate students.

• Effectively design, embed, and oversee research projects to answer questions of science, practice, and policy in early childhood education.

• Analyze, interpret, and oversee data analyses using a variety of research methods.

• May contribute to work on large-scale Research Policy Partnerships in Louisiana and Virginia, including a variety of projects related to supporting the early childhood workforce and studies related to improving access to affordable early care and education programs.

• May conduct research related to understanding and supporting children's school readiness skills as part of Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP), providing statewide professional development including individualized coaching to improve teacher-child interactions and support curriculum implementation.

• May conduct research related to implementing and evaluating a birth through preschool comprehensive and integrated curriculum model called STREAMin3 that will be made available statewide in Virginia.

Required Qualifications

Education: Doctoral degree

Preferred Qualifications

A strong preference will be given to applicants with some or all of these preferred qualifications.

• A Ph.D. in Education, Psychology, Education Policy, Education Psychology, Public Policy, Human Development or a relevant social science discipline by the start date of the position.

• Evidence of substantive knowledge and background in early childhood education

• Strong methodological expertise including quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-methods methodology

• Track record of publication and/or experience working with policy makers or practitioners

• Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and communication skills

• Ability to employ strong organizational and time management skills.

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Salary Range: $52,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience and technical expertise, includes UVA benefits.

Application Instructions

Please apply through Workday. Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV or Resume
• Cover letter (which discusses research interests, career goals, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion)
• One writing sample
• Three references who can comment on your scholarly accomplishments and promise (full name, position, email, and phone number)

The position will remain open until filled. This is an Exempt level, benefited position. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. This restricted position is a one-year appointment, and continuation beyond one year is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.