Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL)

Company: University of Virginia
Location: Charlottesville
Posted on: June 6, 2021

Job Description:

The School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia seeks applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL). This postdoctoral position will prepare the incumbent with knowledge and skills to conduct high-quality, scientifically sound research that sits at the intersection of education and developmental science, with a focus on young children's executive functioning and classroom engagement within early classroom experiences.

Responsibilities:

The postdoctoral associate will primarily work on an NIH-funded study called Understanding the Power of Preschool for Kindergarten Success (P2K). Data collection for this longitudinal observational study of young children's early schooling experiences is now complete, and the research team is working on dissemination. Incumbents will disseminate research findings at professional and practitioner-oriented conferences, in scholarly journals, and in state reports, briefs, and practitioner-oriented products, working in collaboration with Principal Investigators, other faculty and staff, and graduate students; this will include taking the lead on data analysis, writing, and presenting. This scholarly work will integrate an explicit focus on equity and inclusion within early classroom environments, with a particular emphasis on children from racially and ethnically marginalized backgrounds. In addition, the incumbent will have the opportunity to engage in another existing project from CASTL's portfolio of intervention evaluations and research-practice partnerships focused on the early school years (PreK through elementary).

The individual selected for this postdoctoral research associate will receive mentoring on ways to conduct rigorous applied research, prepare grant proposals, improve teaching and mentoring skills, broadly disseminate research, move research into practice, and develop research, practice, policy partnerships. They will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills through attendance in research meetings, talks, and workshops within CASTL, the SEHD, the University, and externally as appropriate.

Qualifications:

An earned doctorate in Education, Psychology, or related field, with expertise and interests in further developing research strengths focused on early schooling (PreK through elementary), including children's executive functioning, classroom engagement and school readiness skills, as well as teacher-child interactions and instructional opportunities. The incumbent will exhibit a commitment to diversity and equity through their scholarship and/or service. Strong methodological and quantitative skills are critical. Outstanding interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills are essential.

In alignment with UVA's 2030 "Great and Good" strategic plan, CASTL is committed to:

• Recruiting talented and diverse doctoral students, postdoctoral associates, 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.
• Promoting a culture of integrity, mutual respect, excellence, collaboration and innovation.

Application:

Review of applications will begin February 3, 2021, and will continue until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2021. Selected Post Docs must have their completed PhD by the start date. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

Please apply through Workday, and search for ''Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL)". Complete an application online with the following documents:

• Cover letter, please speak to how you address diversity, equity and inclusion in your work.
• CV/resume
• Writing sample
• Unofficial transcript
• Contact information for three references who can comment on your scholarly accomplishments and promise.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Jason T. Downer, Professor of Education. For questions about the application process, please contact Bethany Case, Academic Recruiter. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

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 (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

Keywords: University of Virginia, Charlottesville , Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL), Other , Charlottesville, Virginia