Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Overview

The Marsico Postdoctoral Research Fellowship offers an opportunity to engage in multiple research projects involving applied science in education. The fellowship involves research‑and‑development initiatives and analysis of data from large‑scale studies on the effectiveness of mathematics interventions using randomized trials and other methodologies. Areas of focus include mathematics assessment and discourse, examination of the validity of research‑based learning trajectories, delivery of professional development and coaching, exploration of interdisciplinary preschool curricula, and development of mobile math games and online resources for educators based on the learning trajectories approach.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow position supports innovative projects in early STEM learning and teaching. It serves as an entry point for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in early STEM education. Candidates must possess strong academic skills along with emerging leadership, communication, and organizational abilities. The Fellow will collaborate with the Kennedy endowed chairs, directors, and research staff of the Marsico Institute, participating in project phases such as study design, data collection, intervention implementation, data analysis, and presentations and publications.

Opportunities include conducting professional development for school staff and other stakeholders, receiving training in assessments and observations, contributing to the design of online and app‑based tools for teachers and research teams, and collaborating with other researchers and fellows. The Fellow will also attend national meetings and workshops to deepen their understanding of research related to the Institute’s projects.

• Assist in comprehensive reviews of literature and practices in early childhood 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 such as newsletters and infographics.
• Support the development and refinement of microlearning resources and instructional guides for children, parents, and teachers.
• Contribute to managing and creating web content and digital tools for educational programs in ongoing early STEM projects.
• Assist in organizing STEM‑focused events and support technical training initiatives.

• 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.

• 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.
• Read, write, and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.
• Write routine reports and correspondence and speak effectively before both internal and external groups.
• Read, analyze and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Prepare and/or present written communications that pertain to controversial and complex topics.
• Can redirect communication or correspondence to appropriate team or unit.
• Little or no responsibility in the area of budgets or departmental resources.
• Work requires the ability to plan and perform work in light of new or constantly changing problems, work from broad instruction, deal with complex factors not easily evaluated. Decisions require considerable judgment, initiative, and ingenuity in areas where there is little precedent.
• Work requires the ability to act independently and the formulation and administration of policies and programs for major division or functions.
• Identifying resolve/redirect complex problems or issues that require detailed investigation, analysis and interpretation.
• Speak articulately and thoughtfully on an impromptu basis.
• Identify and resolve/redirect complex problems or issues that require detailed investigation, analysis and interpretation.
• Handle situations that require unusual sensitivity, diplomacy and composure. May include handling confidential information.
• Results are defined and incumbent uses existing practices as guidelines to