Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI)

POSITION INFORMATION: This position offers collaborative and independent research opportunities at the Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI) at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa (OU-Tulsa). It is an opportunity to join an existing research group dedicated to applied research in early childhood, with a special focus on birth through age 8 populations and settings. Applicants with research interest and expertise in infant-toddler care and education and/or historically underserved populations, including Dual Language Learners and children living in poverty, are especially desired. The major responsibilities include conceptualizing research questions based on data from ECEI projects (e.g., local Head Start evaluation projects) and/or national datasets (e.g., Baby FACES, FACES, ECLS-B, and ECLS-K), analyzing data, preparing manuscripts suitable for publication in leading journals, serving as an analyst on senior researchers’ papers, collaborating with ECEI staff and affiliates in preparing proposals for external funding and responding to RFPs. Successful candidate will lead and/or work closely with interdisciplinary staff/faculty/student research teams in all aspects of research.

This position is a one-year appointment. Upon satisfactory performance, reappointment for additional years possible. This position is contingent on the continued availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Develop independent line of research in collaboration with ECEI staff. Develop independent line of research consistent with ECEI's identified research themes and in collaboration with ECEI staff
• Develop publications from existing ECEI and/or national datasets. Become familiar with existing ECEI and/or national datasets, generate research questions, analyze data, and draft publications suitable for leading journals
• Analytical support and advising. Provide technical support - methodological, statistical, and procedural - for projects conducted by ECEI staff and affiliates.
• Participate in ECEI dissemination activities. Leads and participates in development of manuscripts for publication. Develops and delivers presentations at professional conferences.
• Collaborate with research project teams. Leads and/or works closely with interdisciplinary staff/faculty/student research teams in all aspects of research; collaborate in preparation of proposals for external funding.
• Supervision/Task Delegation. Delegates tasks, as appropriate, among ECEI staff to carry out analyses and publications for the ECEI and Research Partners; mentors junior staff.
• Participate in ECEI professional development activities. Participates in ECEI professional development by attending scheduled trainings, as directed, and by sharing expertise with staff and affiliates.

Educational Requirements: 

• Candidates must have completed their doctoral degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a related field.  

Experience: 

• Candidate should have two years of experience in early childhood education research.  

Required Skills:

• Research and content expertise in early childhood education.  
• High proficiency computer skills required, including ability to use statistical packages such as SPSS, MPlus, R, Stata, SAS; Proficiency in navigating and maintaining databases using Excel, Access, or similar packages. 
• Strong skills in quantitative analysis and success in peer-reviewed publications required.    
• Able to conduct a variety of advanced quantitative analyses independently, draft manuscripts, and present research findings in oral and written forms.  
• Must be able to conceptualize research questions, analyze data, and present findings suitable for professional publication in leading journals.  
• Ability to work and lead in a team environment including the ability to work independently and delegate as necessary. 
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills; effective oral/written communication skills required.  

Travel and After-Hours Availability:

• Must be available to work some nights and weekends to meet project demands. 
• Must be able to travel overnight occasionally for tasks related to data collection, analysis, or presentation. 

Assets:

• Applicants with research interest and expertise in infant-toddler care and education and/or at-risk populations, including Dual Language Learners and children living in poverty, are especially desired. 
• Spanish fluency preferred. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:  The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.
Diversity Statement:  The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.