Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

The School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia seeks applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with strong interests in early childhood education policy to join the Study of Early Education through Partnerships (). The postdoctoral research associate will work closely with Dr. Daphna Bassok on large-scale projects related to early childhood education policy in partnerships with policymakers.

They will join and contribute to a large and vibrant community of researchers working on early childhood education and policy research.

Applicants should have demonstrated interest in early childhood education research and policy. Particular interests in improving access to high-quality early childhood learning opportunities at scale and/or supporting early childhood educators are encouraged. Postdoctoral research associates will have opportunities to pursue independent research and will also contribute to research on projects in collaboration with the PI, SEE-Partnerships research team, and state partners.

Postdoctoral research associates may receive mentoring on preparing grant proposals, improving mentoring skills, conducting rigorous research, and forming research‑to‑practice partnerships. They will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills through attendance in research meetings, talks, and workshops within the University and externally as appropriate.

• Work in collaboration with principal investigators and other faculty and graduate students on research.
• Effectively design, embed, and oversee research projects to answer questions of science, practice, and policy in early childhood education.
• Analyze, interpret, and oversee data analyses using a variety of research methods.
• Disseminate research findings at professional conferences, in scholarly journals, and in practitioner and policy outlets.
• Participate in large‑scale Research‑Policy Partnerships in Virginia.

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

The anticipated hiring range is $60,000–$65,000, commensurate with education and experience.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. The position has a term limit of one year after which continued employment will depend on department need and funding.

This position offers the option to work in person in Charlottesville, VA, or to work fully remote in alignment with UVA’s remote work guidelines.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after May 26, 2026.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.