Kennedy Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Apply now Job no:497306
Work type:Postdoc / Research / Fellow
Location:Denver, CO
Categories:Postdoc / Fellow, Research
Division: Morgridge College Of Education

Kennedy Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

The Marsico Institute for Early Learning is housed in the Morgridge College of Education (MCE) at the University of Denver. We have dedicated ourselves to improving learning environments and outcomes for children, birth to age 8. We identify the best in early learning research, practice, and policy, and we deliver that information at just the point it will be useful to academics, practitioners, policymakers, and parents the people who can create and implement changes to improve the lives of young children. The quality of relationships and learning opportunities that young children experience can set the stage for what they will be able to accomplish throughout the rest of their lifetimes.

Position Summary

The Kennedy Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is an opportunity to participate in multiple research projects involving applied scientific research in education, including research-and-development projects (i.e. mathematics assessment and discourse, the investigation of the validity of research-based learning trajectories and related professional development and coaching support, and the investigation of an interdisciplinary preschool curriculum) and analyses of data from large-scale investigations of the effectiveness of mathematics interventions using randomized trials and other methodologies.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow is designed to support groundbreaking projects in early STEM learning. This position is an entry point for those aiming to make a significant impact in the field of early STEM education, requiring candidates to have foundational academic proficiency along with emerging leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will collaborate with the Kennedy endowed chairs, Directors, and research staff of the Marsico Institute, participating in different phases of various projects, including study design, data collection, intervention implementation, data analysis, and publication of results. There will also be opportunities to conduct professional development for school personnel and others, train in assessments, develop tools for teachers and other research teams, co-teach university courses and collaborate with other researchers and other postdoctoral fellows. In addition, the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will have the opportunity to attend national meetings and workshops individualized to extend their knowledge of research related to Institute projects.

Essential Functions

Conduct Research Activities 

• Assist in comprehensive reviews of literature and practices in early STEM learning.
• Support the design and execution of research methodologies aligned with study objectives.
• Help in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Co-author scientific papers and assist in the preparation of grant proposals.
• Participate in conferences and help develop outreach materials like newsletters and infographics.

Technical Assistance and Resource Development 

• Support the development and refinement of microlearning resources and instructional guides.
• Contribute to managing and creating web content and digital tools for educational programs.
• Assist in organizing STEM-focused events and support technical training initiatives.

Support for Project Management 

• Take a leadership role in a large, funded project.
• Aid in monitoring project timelines and milestones.
• Assist with the coordination among team members to foster collaboration.
• Participate in regular project meetings.

Collaboration, Teamwork, and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Contribute to internal team efforts to align research activities.
• Support collaborations with external partners such as academic institutions and other collaborators.
• Join interdisciplinary discussions to contribute fresh perspectives.
• Attend meetings and workshops with community partners.
• Support liaisons with stakeholders to align educational efforts with community needs.

Continual Learning and Improvement

• Keep informed of current trends and advancements in STEM education and research methods.
• Contribute to enhancing project strategies and results through participation in feedback and review processes.
• Help promote a team culture of continuous learning and development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic proficiency in designing and supporting research studies in early STEM education.
• Ability to conduct and support statistical analysis and data interpretation.
• Experience writing academic papers, research reports, and supporting grant proposal development.
• Ability to create and distribute educational content via software and digital platforms relevant to research and education.
• Eagerness to continuously learn and adapt to new developments in STEM education and research.
• Ability to manage projects with guidance.
• Work well within a team and support collaborative projects.
• Effective communication skills in academic and professional contexts.
• Experience engaging stakeholders and building professional relationships.
• Adaptable and able to handle new or changing situations, work with general guidelines, and manage complex challenges effectively.

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.): A Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Education, STEM Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Psychology, or a closely related discipline. The doctoral degree should reflect advanced knowledge and research skills in areas pertinent to early STEM learning and development.
• Minimum 0-2 years of work experience in a relevant field

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-4 years of work experience in a relevant field

Working Environment

1. Standard office environment.
2. Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
3. Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

1. Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period of time.
2. Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Work Schedule
The University of Denver's regular operating hours are 8 Am - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday.

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) June 17, 2024.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is GE8.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $61,000-$71,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement .

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.