Research Development at Boston University invites applicants for a postdoctoral associate focused on program evaluation and research development. The postdoc will gain training in the design, implementation, evaluation, and management of primarily training and workforce development programs involving graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty (e.g. Boston University’s Ignition Award program). However, the postdoc will also participate in the development and evaluation process for future programs that would benefit from a clear program evaluation approach.

This position is a three year postdoc position focused on program evaluation and development. In the first two years, the position will support program evaluation of existing training and workforce development programs at Boston University. The postdoctoral associate will design and implement evaluation plans and facilitate use of data toward improved outcomes and impact.  This will include developing and implementing evaluation methods based on existing program goals and metrics, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and developing data dashboards and publications that describe each program’s impacts. In the last year, the position will shift towards conceptualizing novel workforce development programs in collaboration with our team, and may include collaborating with staff and faculty to develop applications for grant funding opportunities.

The postdoc’s primary responsibilities will be to:

• Use a mixed methods evaluation approach to evaluate key strategic workforce and training programs at Boston University. This will involve both developing protocols that are shared across several programs as well as instruments or methods tailored to evaluate specific program goals and outcomes; (40%)
• Analyze program outcomes data and develop data dashboards that will: inform Research Leadership and program faculty; enhance scholarly publications; and inform federal funding annual reporting requirements; (25%)
• Publish scholarly work in peer-reviewed journals in collaboration with Research team members (25%)
• Collaborate with Research Leadership to develop new workforce development programs, including program design, implementation, and evaluation. Collaboratively identify and develop applications for indpeendent funding to support new programs. (10%)

These activities will provide valuable experience for the Postdoctoral Associate in program design and management, and program evaluation and research. This training position is ideal for those interested in careers within academic administration, workforce development, or at university research centers with dedicated workforce components. The successful candidate will report to the Assistant Vice President and Assistant Provost of Research Development and PhD & Postdoctoral Affairs, and work closely with our Director of Technology Development and our Associate Vice President of Industry Engagement. 

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible appointment for three years with an anticipated start date in January 2023. To apply, please send a resume or CV and cover letter describing your background, qualifications, future goals, and why you believe you would be a strong fit for the position to sch1@bu.edu . Please be prepared to provide three references. Application materials will be considered on a rolling basis, but for full consideration, all materials must be received by November 1, 2022.

Applicants should have completed a PhD in education or a related social sciences discipline before starting the position, and have a strong interest in academic administration, workforce development, and/or program evaluation and research. The ideal candidate will have experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and/or program evaluation. The candidate should have significant research-based experience and expertise in manipulating and analyzing large data sets with quantitative and text data, knowledge of survey design tools such as Qualtrics, NVivo (or other qualitative software), and/or SPSS (or other statistical analysis software). Effective project management skills (e.g., time management, problem solving, adaptability, and organization). Knowledge and skills required are obtained through a doctoral degree in public policy, public administration, biostatistics, education or evaluation-based research, or related field.

The individual should be able to work proactively and independently and must be comfortable managing competing project activities, deadlines, and outcomes. They also must possess strong communication and collaboration skills, and be able to work effectively with University leaders and faculty program directors.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement  within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption (instructions ). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Resources  site.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.