Freedom School Postdoctoral Associate

Overview

The Joseph

C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, Rutgers University-Newark seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Associate with a Freedom Schooling focus. The Associate position is awarded for a one-year period beginning in September 2026. The position carries a stipend of $75,000 per year, health benefits, and $3,000 in research funds. Strong consideration will be given to candidates with practice or research experience in liberatory education contexts, e.g., Freedom Schools or Rites of Passage programs, especially with programs serving adolescents.

Posting Title Freedom School Postdoctoral Associate

Department Cornwall Center Metro Studies

Salary Details $75,000

Posting Open Date 01/21/2026

Posting Close Date 02/28/2026

The Associate will lead and support efforts to implement and expand Freedom Schooling in urban New Jersey and support research to document and ensure the quality of the work. This includes leading or supporting mixed-methods research and evaluation studies, and leading mutual learning among researchers, practitioners, advocates, community organizers, and policymakers. The Associate will conduct research in the context of research-practice partnerships, learning hubs, and coalitions, and will advance the Center and the University’s goals of producing socially impactful research and serving as an effective partner and anchor institution.

The role requires flexibility, interpersonal skill, and a tolerance of ambiguity, given the complex interfaces with school districts, social services, faith-based organizations, and volunteer programs in New Jersey. The Associate may oversee and conduct research, often in partnership with stakeholder groups, on program implementation and outcomes, and will produce peer-reviewed publications and public reports. Additional duties include coordinating statewide and local research and practice learning hubs, organizing outreach activities, conferences, events, and assisting with securing funding for research and programming.

The role also includes planning and implementing programming as needed, including coordinating with Freedom Schools and community partners across the state and conducting professional development sessions.

Minimum Education and Experience Candidates must hold a recently conferred (within 5 years) doctorate in public administration, education, sociology, or a related social science field.

Certifications/Licenses N/A

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities N/A

Preferred Qualifications Preferred experience includes a background in community organizing and research, or practice in liberatory education, e.g., Freedom Schools or Rites of Passage programs.

To ensure full consideration, candidates should submit:
Cover Letter/Letter of Interest, Curriculum Vitae, a Research Statement, and a single-authored academic writing sample. Questions should be addressed to Kimaada Sills at kimaada
. Please refer to the School and Campus websites for additional information. http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). https:// Position contingent upon funding.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers may require proof of Seasonal Influenza vaccination unless a medical or religious exemption is granted. Additional policies may apply. Failure to provide proof or obtain an exemption may result in rescission of an offer or disciplinary action up to termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, military status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. For more information, see the Non-Discrimination Statement:
Non-Discrimination Statement

Posting Details Posting Number 26FA0048

Posting Open Date 01/21/2026

Posting Close Date 02/28/2026

Posting Specific Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Writing Sample 1, Curriculum Vitae, Research Statement

Optional Documents List of Professional References (contact Info)

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