Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Educational Adm & Human Resources Development

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

What we want

If you have a Doctoral degree in Educational Psychology (or related data analysis field), and a passion for research, please apply for our Postdoctoral Research Associate position. If selected, you'll be responsible for collecting, monitoring, cleaning, and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data collected from public high-needs K-8 schools to support a longitudinal, large-scale, federally funded research project that supports school enhancement and turnaround. This opportunity is available through The College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University. We have been transforming lives for 50 years. Now the 4th largest college at Texas A&M University with over 6,000 enrolled students, we are not just a school for teachers. We are a school for leaders in not just in education, but also business, sport, health, and government. To learn more, visit us at https://education.tamu.edu/about/

Essential Duties/Tasks

Data Collection

• Develop qualitative and quantitative data collection timeline across all components of the grant, based on research questions, objectives, and evaluation plans.

• Create customized data collection spreadsheets, request data, and manage data requests (communications, secure data transfer, data verification, backup data) across three project components according to data collection timeline.

• Collaborate with project coordinators/personnel to monitor component specific data collection - both qualitative and quantitative.

• Performs other research duties as assigned.

Data Analysis

• Develop and implement a data analysis timeline.

• Collaborate with PIs, component coordinators, internal evaluator, and external evaluators to monitor data collection and analysis.

• Utilize specialized software to systematically analyze both qualitative and quantitative project data.

• Provide accurate and clear analysis and data visualization.

Reporting and Dissemination of Research Findings

• Support project reporting to funding agency.

• Develop high quality scientific manuscripts by preparing literature review, preparing methods, analysis, and findings.

• Develop research briefs and technical reports.

• Develop and submit proposals, manuscripts, abstracts, and reports related to project.

• Support development of Leadership Institutes to share out project deliverables, strategies, and findings.

• Present findings at research conferences.

  Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Doctoral degree in Educational Psychology or related data analysis field.

• (If the degree had not been conferred at the time applicant applied for a postdoc position, a letter needs to be attached from the school’s official Graduate Office and/or Registrar’s Office certifying that all requirements for the degree have been met and stating the degree conferral date.)

Required Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with and supporting large-scale research

• Experience with education-related data - understanding the context of student achievement outcomes and the relationship to research interventions

• Strong background and proficiency in quantitative data analysis software such as SAS, SPSS, Mplus or STATA.

• Strong proficiency in quantitative analysis including HLM, SEM, CFA, EFA.

• Strong background and proficiency in qualitative data analysis including content analysis, thematic analysis, and discourse analysis.

• Strong skills in data verification, cleaning, visualization, and analysis.

• Certified in What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards and procedures

• Scientific writing and publication skills - experience developing research briefs, proposals, and manuscripts

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with various stakeholders (Principal Investigator, project personnel, partnering districts, evaluators)

• Strong organization skills: managing multiple tasks, schedules, and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail

• Time management: prioritization of tasks and efficient use of time to handle multiple responsibilities

• Problem-solving skills: Ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions

• Adaptability: capacity to adapt to changes and manage evolving priorities in a dynamic environment

• High proficiency use of cloud-based service to store, access, and share files online (such as Google drive, OneDrive)

• Strong data visualization skills

• Strong language skills in English to include clear and concise writing (accurate with a focus on grammar, spelling, and punctuation), attention to detail to review and revise technical writing, verbal communication (articulate ideas clearly and confidently in meetings and presentations)

  What you need to know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to selected hire's experience.

Application Instructions: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

Note: This position is grand funded and future employment may be contingent upon continued funding.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as: sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. In addition, you have access to many benefits and perks, such as:   

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (http://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/)  with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums   

• 12-15 days (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/university-holidays.html)  of annual paid holidays    

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/vacation.html)  and at least eight hours of paid vacation  (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/vacation.html)  each month   

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (https://new.tamu.edu/enjoy-the-benefits/retirement/)     

• Free exercise programs and release time (https://flourish.tamu.edu/wellness-release-time/)  for health and wellness programs   

• All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning (https://linkedinlearning.tamu.edu/)  training programs, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more    

• Educational release time and tuition assistance (https://employees.tamu.edu/benefits/healthy-behaviors/employee-tuition.html)  for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee   

For additional benefit information Click here (http://employees.tamu.edu/benefits/_media/documents/200benefitsWellness101.pdf)

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values (https://www.tamu.edu/about/coreValues.html) which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume’ or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.   

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.