Postdoctoral Research Associate

OUR STATEMENT

The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization.

We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

The “AI is only as good as its users:
Advancing students’ informed use of AI in higher education” grant project is seeking a highly motivated, skilled postdoctoral research associate to join our research team. The multi‑year project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, offers an opportunity to engage in design‑based research while managing project activities including curriculum design, faculty professional development, and project dissemination.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background, complemented by practical experience in project management and/or relevant work in university‑based settings.

• Lead and collaborate on research initiatives, manage tasks from inception to completion, and ensure timely execution of project activities.
• Gather data on curriculum and faculty professional learning by collaborating with faculty, university leaders, and researchers.
• Prepare and present research findings to various audiences including academic scholars, project stakeholders, and educators.
• Monitor project progress, evaluate outcomes, and suggest improvements based on data analysis.
• Coordinate administrative support, maintain project websites and databases, and manage logistics for meetings and events.
• Communicate with project partners, assist with budget monitoring, and contribute to overall project management, including reports to funder.

Reports to the project investigator (PI) and co‑project investigator (Co‑PI). Frequently interacts with faculty participants, key personnel, and student research assistants as well as university staff.

Assist the PI and Co‑PI in overseeing student research assistants and supervise student research assistants directly in research areas led by the postdoctoral researcher.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in one of the social sciences, education, or learning sciences.

• Experience with AI education.

• Experience independently carrying out qualitative and/or quantitative research projects, including data collection, cleaning, and analysis.

• Experience with IRB applications and reporting.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis and research methodologies.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite, and statistical and/or qualitative analysis software.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Strong project‑management skills with experience overseeing research projects and planning convenings and events.

Additional requirement: A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to complete the background check may affect the application status or continued employment.

$75,000 annually, exempt and benefited.

The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance plans, employer‑paid dental and vision, life insurance, disability and long‑term care coverage, paid holidays, a 403(b) retirement plan, vacation and sick hour accruals, employee discounts, and paid training and professional‑development conferences.

The SJSURF is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in the employment, recruitment, and hiring processes. Requests for accommodation should be sent to foundation-jobs with full name, phone number, and type of assistance required.

SJSURF is an affirmative action, equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected classification.