The Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) in the University of Virginia (UVA) and the School of Education and Human Development seeks highly qualified applicants for a two-year post-doctoral research associate position. This position is part of the University of Virginia Post-Doctoral Education Science Training Program on English Learners (EL-VEST) funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. The EL-VEST Postdoctoral Program is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare early career researchers to engage in rigorous research in education science focused on English Learners. EL-VEST will fund a cohort of 2-3 fellows to begin in 2023.

We are interested in applicants with expertise in developmental science or educational psychology who are interested in engaging more deeply with research related to the classroom and instructional contexts that support social and emotional development as well as behavioral and academic outcomes. Specifically, we seek applicants whose experiences and/or prior developmental and education research motivates them to engage in research focused on English Learners (EL). Fellows will have opportunities to broaden their understanding the strengths and challenges faced by ELs, particularly in school-based contexts. Fellows will also engage in experiences that give them hands-on experiences working with partners (districts, departments of education, education innovation organizations) addressing some of our most intractable challenges in supporting the achievement of EL students, their teachers, and schools. Finally, fellows will further their training in rigorous education research methods and statistics.

Fellows will work with either Sara Rimm-Kaufman, Natalia Palacios, or Robert Pianta as their primary mentor and will develop a line of research that involves collaboration with one or more secondary mentors. Potential secondary mentors include Allison Atteberry, Chris Chang-Bacon, Jason Downer, Jennie Grammer, Colby Hall, Luke Miller, Judith Paulick, Jim Soland, Emily Solari, Jessica Whittaker, Amanda Williford, Vivian Wong and others. Fellows will become part of a network of post-doctoral trainees at the UVA School of Education & Human Development and research centers including, CASTL, EdPolicyWorks, and Youth-Nex.

A Ph.D. in School and Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, or a relevant social science discipline is required by the start date of the position. Evidence of substantive knowledge and background in the field of developmental science and/or education is essential. Strong evidence of expertise in quantitative methods is required. Strong communication and project management skills are required. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status is required. Prior experience engaging in research and a strong track record of publication is strongly preferred. Explicit interest in research with English Learners or prior experience with research or working with English Learners is preferred. Fellows will be appointed annually; continuation is dependent upon satisfactory performance. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Role and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• engage in educational research related to English Learners and their educational environments

• be lead author on two or more peer-reviewed papers per year (including their dissertation), co-author on additional work, and PI or co-PI on one grant during the fellowship

• engage with educational stakeholders on an issue related to English Learners and their educational experiences

• engage in the community of scholarship that exists at CASTL, the School of Education and Human Development, and UVA evidenced by participating in work-in-progress meetings, attending speaker series, and attending workshops throughout their fellowship

• complete annual review, planning and goal-setting tasks with their mentor(s) toward the goal of developing a career in education science focused on English Learners

Required Skills

A Ph.D. in School and Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, or a relevant social science discipline is required by the start date of the position. Evidence of substantive knowledge and background in the field of developmental science and/or education is essential. Strong evidence of expertise in quantitative methods is required. Strong communication and project management skills are required. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status is required. Prior experience engaging in research and a strong track record of publication is strongly preferred. Explicit interest in research with English Learners or prior experience with research or working with English Learners is preferred. Fellows will be appointed annually; continuation is dependent upon satisfactory performance. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Physical Demands
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.

Application Instructions

Please apply through Workday, and search for EL-VEST Postdoctoral Fellow

Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV

• Letter of intent describing research interests in English Learners and Education Science, preference of lead mentor (Rimm-Kaufman, Palacios or Pianta), and a description of how training at CASTL/the UVA School of Education & Human Development fits with their research training and career goals.

• Graduate School Transcripts

• Names of three references

• Sample publication

As part of the interview process, be prepared to discuss how you address diversity, equity, and inclusion in your work.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'.

The position will remain open until filled. This is an Exempt level, benefited position. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. This position is a restricted position and continuation is dependent upon project prior performance. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This position is not eligible for remote workers.

For additional information about the position, please contact Jasmine Truong or visit https://education.virginia.edu/el-vest. For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks, Academic Recruiter.

UVA School of Education & Human Development and CASTL Diversity Statement

In alignment with President Ryan’s UVA strategic plan, CASTL is committed to:

• Recruiting talented and diverse doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty, and staff;

• Recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce and providing an inclusive and supportive environment in which staff and faculty are recognized as integral to the success of our work; and

• Promoting a culture of integrity, mutual respect, excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

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COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.