The School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia seeks applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with strong interests in early childhood education policy to join the Study of Early Education through Partnerships (www.see-partnerships.com). The postdoctoral research associate will work closely with Dr. Daphna Bassok on large-scale projects related to early childhood education policy in partnerships with policymakers. They will join and contribute to a large and vibrant community of researchers working on early childhood education and policy research.

Applicants should have demonstrated interest in early childhood education research and policy. Particular interests in improving access to high-quality early childhood learning opportunities at scale and/or supporting early childhood educators are welcome. Postdoctoral research associates will have opportunities to pursue independent research and will also contribute to research on projects in collaboration with PI, SEE-Partnerships research team, and state partners. Postdoctoral research associates may receive mentoring on preparing grant proposals, improving mentoring skills, conducting rigorous research, and forming research-to-practice 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.

Start dates between March 2025 and September 2025 possible. For consideration, please apply by January 13, 2025. We will continue to review applications on a rolling basis.

Roles and Responsibilities Work in collaboration with principal investigators and other faculty and graduate students on research. 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. Disseminate research findings at professional conferences, in scholarly journals, and in practitioner and policy outlets. Participate in large-scale Research-Policy Partnerships in Virginia.

Minimum Requirement
Education: Doctoral degree

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

Education: A Ph.D. in Education, Psychology, Education Policy, Education Psychology, Public Policy, Human Development or a relevant social science.

Experience:

Evidence of substantive knowledge and background in early childhood education

Strong methodological expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed methods research

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

Salary Range: $68,000-$73,000 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: Apply Now Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile, search Find Jobs and then R0066676. Complete an application online and include the following documents:

A CV/resume

A cover letter

All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

This is a 12 month position. Continuation in the role depends on performance, funding and the continued need for the role.

For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks, Academic Recruiter. Before a formal offer of employment is extended, the selected candidate will undergo a background check per university policy.

The University of Virginia, including 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, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.