Postdoctoral Research Associate

The School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia seeks applicants for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate with interest in applied PK-12 educational policy research. The postdoctoral research associate will work closely with Dr. Allison Atteberry on large-scale, grant-funded research projects that explore the effects of education programs, policies, and practices on longitudinal student and teacher outcomes. These projects are embedded within existing partnerships with policymakers at the district and/or state level and focus on early childhood education structural policy levers, as well as efforts to support and retain effective teachers in order to promote more equitable outcomes for students. The successful candidate will join existing project teams comprised of undergraduate-, masters-, and/or doctoral-level student researchers, as well as full-time faculty and research staff. In addition, applicants who choose to relocate to Charlottesville will have opportunities to be part of a broader in-person community of researchers at UVA’s EdPolicyWorks Center. Because the postdoctoral researcher will be closely mentored by UVA-based faculty, we have a strong preference for in-person/relocation to Charlottesville. In certain circumstances, a 100% remote option could be considered

Successful applicants will have a strong foundation in quantitative policy analysis with a focus on causal inference and careful descriptive analysis. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in PK-12 education policy topics; the following areas are particularly relevant: Pre-K programmatic offerings and access; early-grade outcomes including achievement, attendance, and programmatic school designations; and/or teacher workforce factors. Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a professional setting are essential, as the postdoctoral researcher will join an existing team of collaborative, highly-motivated, and engaged researchers that will interact on a near-daily basis.

The postdoctoral research associates will have opportunities to both pursue independent research and will also contribute to research on projects led by Dr. Allison Atteberry. The 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 to gain knowledge and skills through attendance in research meetings, talks, and workshops within the University and externally as appropriate. It is preferred that this person work in person, but for the right candidate, remote work will be considered.

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 PK-12 education settings.

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

• Contribute to work on IES-funded follow-up study on a randomized controlled-trial study of half- versus full-day pre-K .

• May contribute to a research-practice partnership with Denver Public Schools focused on policies and practices that improve access to effective teachers.

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Independent thinking and problem-solving skills, combined with an interest in working collaboratively with and developing more junior scholars

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

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

• Demonstrated collaboration, communication, and organizational/time management skills.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000 commensurate with experience and technical expertise, includes UVA benefits.

Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Application Instructions

Initial review of received applications will begin on Feb 15 and application submission before this date is strongly encouraged. The application will remain open and continue until the position is filled.

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

• Contact information for 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. It is preferred that this person work in person, but for the right candidate, remote work will be considered.

For additional information about the position, please contact Allison Atteberry . For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks at mew7ys@virginia .edu.

In alignment with President Ryan’s UVA strategic plan, we are committed to:

• Recruiting talented and diverse doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty, and staff;

• Recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce and providing an inclusive and supportive environment in which staff and faculty are recognized as integral to the success of our work; and

• Promoting a culture of integrity, mutual respect, excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

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.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.