Job Details

Post-doctoral Research Associate- Educational Measurement and Statistics- UTK

Position Number: 6187336
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Education - Educational Psychology

Post-doctoral Research Associate- Educational Measurement and Statistics- UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 1122
Job Category: Research
Posting Date: 04/29/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US

Job Description
The Tennessee Reading Research Center (TRRC) is conducting state-level evaluations of literacy initiatives as well as federally funded research to identify effective literacy instructional practices and improve the determination of students' literacy outcomes. The projects are led by Professor and Director Dr. Deborah K. Reed and assisted by the Research Assistant Professor and Statistician Dr. Huibin Zhang. The TRRC works with a dynamic team of professional and student staff as well as external collaborators from other universities, state education agencies, and school districts.

Responsibilities
We seek a postdoctoral fellow to support the preparation and analysis of datasets. This fellowship will provide opportunities for an early career researcher to contribute to the TRRC's goal to strengthen causal inferences while developing a range of skills in educational measurement and statistics. Current projects involve growth curve modeling, longitudinal data analysis, and meta-analysis. The work also might involve propensity score weighting and structural equation modeling (SEM).

The project is based in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, a leading educational research institution, located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The position includes opportunities to produce peer-reviewed journal articles and contribute to the development of equitable and evidence-based educational practices. Depending upon the productivity of the scholar, there are possibilities for presenting at national conferences.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

A completed doctoral degree in educational measurement and statistics, educational psychology, statistics, or a related field before the first day of employment.
Experience working with large, complex datasets.
Experience conducting systematic reviews of the literature.
Proficiency in statistical methods, particularly in modeling outcomes for multilevel and longitudinal data.
Advanced knowledge of R or other statistical software (e.g., Mplus, Python).
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex statistical concepts to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with causal inference methods, including propensity score weighting and related techniques.
Expertise in multilevel item response theory (IRT) modeling and structural equation modeling (SEM).
A strong record of scholarly publications and presentations.

This position is a full-time, twelve-month appointment with a salary of $62,000, health/dental insurance, and other benefits. UTK strives to provide eligible employees with a comprehensive suite of benefits. For complete information about insurance, retirement, and other available benefits, visit the UT System HR Benefits website. This position is for up to three years, contingent upon mutual agreement and satisfactory annual performance. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status."

The Application review will begin April 5, 2025, and the position start date is between May 15 and August 1, 2025.

Applicants should send a detailed CV, a cover letter explaining interest and expertise related to the project, as well as the names and contact information of three references. Please direct all inquiries and applications to Dr. Deborah Reed, dreed20@utk.edu.

Closing Date: April 5, 2025

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/1122/?mode=location