Postdoctoral Research Associate

JOB SUMMARY

The CT Early Years: A Whole Family Approach to Child Care intervention, funded by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and directed by Principal Investigators Rachel Chazan Cohen and Caitlin Lombardi at the University of Connecticut, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position beginning in the Summer of 2024. The position is a full-time, annually renewable position.

CT Early Years is an innovative initiative that will bring comprehensive two-generation services to community-based childcare settings serving families with infants and toddlers. CT Early Years builds upon the knowledge base and infrastructure existing within Connecticut, bringing together childcare and home visiting resources to better support the “whole child/whole family” and maximize outcomes for children and families. 

We are hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a clearly articulated portfolio of research in applied early childhood development. Ideal candidates will have training in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data collection and analysis. The candidate will gain opportunities for extensive exposure to primary data collection and analysis and management of qualitative and quantitative data; professional development opportunities in publishing, assisting with grant writing, and research translation; supervision of graduate students and project staff; and mentorship from a research and policy team.

The work location for this position is at the Storrs campus of the University of Connecticut under the direct supervision of Drs. Chazan Cohen and Lombardi in the Human Development and Family Sciences Department (HDFS).

The HDFS Department has 37 full-time faculty from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Faculty are located across the state at four campuses where the Department offers the HDFS major. The Department includes staff and about 40 graduate students, 500 undergraduate majors, and 150 undergraduate minors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Make research contributions to research aims, including developing research instruments, participating in primary data collection in the community, and managing, cleaning, and analyzing data (qualitative and quantitative).
• Capitalize on opportunities to analyze data related to their area of interest.
• Write manuscripts, present results at local and national conferences, and contribute to additional grant applications.
• Participate in weekly team meetings with the research team and project advisory board meetings.
• Assist with grant administration and management, including participating in community meetings; supervising staff and students; and assuring compliance with IRB human subjects requirements. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in HDFS, psychology, social work, sociology, public health, or a related field.

At least 5 years of research experience, including experience gained during graduate training.

Knowledge of early childhood development.

Experience in early childhood programs and policies.

Experience interacting with diverse children and families.

Effective interpersonal communication skills, especially with practitioners and families in communities.

Expertise in quantitative methodology.

Strong academic writing.

Beginning track record of publication.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and participate in a team.

Strong organizational skills.

An ability to manage multiple priorities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with interventions in community settings.

Experience in qualitative methodology.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, annually renewable appointment. Salary will be commensurate with experience.   

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at http://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/ , Staff Positions, Search #498225 to upload a CV, letter of interest, research statement, writing sample, and contact information for three (3) professional references. 

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on April 1, 2024.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.