Postdoctoral Scholar-Research Associate

About the role

• POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCHOLAR
• Rossier School of Education
• University of Southern California

The Motivation and Education Research Group at the University of Southern California (USC), along with collaborating researchers at University of Michigan (UM), Texas State University (TXST), and Arizona State University (ASU) are looking for a postdoctoral research scholar to work on a NIH-funded research focused on the effectiveness of an intervention designed to promote agency among diverse college students in introductory classes required in biomedical science majors starting approximately in April 2027.

The project is currently in the 4th year of the award and focused on later stages of data collection for longitudinal follow-ups and ongoing analysis and report write-up.

Applications are strongly encouraged from scholars with training and research experience in motivation interventions targeting STEM college student beliefs and behavior, longitudinal research, and advanced quantitative research methods. Experience with multilevel modeling is required. Candidates with project management experience are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will work closely with Project PIs (Erika Patall at USC, Germine Awad at UM, Carlton Fong at TXST, and Keenan Pituch at ASU) on various aspects of the research design, implementation, and analysis, including intervention development, data management, supervision of graduate and undergraduate research assistants, analysis, and dissemination.

At this phase of the project, the role will require great attention to data analysis, dissemination, and project management, including working closely with the PIs, grants administration office, members of the research team, and research participants to ensure that the final stages of the project run smoothly and are compliant with NIH policies.

Applicants should have a completed PhD in educational psychology, psychology, education, quantitative methods, or a related field. This position is a full-time, 12-month appointment, with the possibility of renewal, depending on the availability of a no-cost-extension. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The salary range for this position is $73,000-$80,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Required Documents

Letter of interest, two sample publications, current vita, and contact information for three letters of reference.

Applicants should have a completed PhD in educational psychology, psychology, education, quantitative methods, or a related field.

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