Post Doctoral Researcher in Education Policy and Systems Change

About the Research

The successful candidate will support Dr. Hayley Weddle’s research on education policy implementation and systems change using collaborative, qualitative methods. Current projects examine state educational leadership and systems change, teacher pipeline initiatives, literacy policy, and efforts to improve opportunities for historically marginalized students, including multilingual learners. These projects emphasize close partnerships with practitioners, rigorous qualitative methods, and the production of scholarship that informs policy and practice.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral scholar will contribute to multiple research projects based on need, interest, and alignment. Responsibilities include:

• Conducting qualitative interviews and supporting additional data collection activities

• Leading qualitative data analysis using collaborative coding and memoing approaches

• Co-authoring peer-reviewed manuscripts, policy briefs, and practitioner-facing products

• Supporting collaboration with research-practice partnership (RPP) partners

• Mentoring graduate student researchers involved in data collection and analysis

• Participating in regular research meetings and contributing intellectual leadership across projects

The postdoctoral researcher will receive individualized mentoring in qualitative methods, collaborative research, academic and public scholarship, and career development. Depending on the candidate's interests, there will be opportunities to lead manuscripts, contribute to grant proposals, present at national conferences, mentor graduate students, and develop independent lines of scholarship.

This position is a one-year remote position with the possibility to renew pending funding and performance..

Desired Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Education, Education Policy, Sociology, Organizational Studies, Public Policy, or related field

• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods, particularly interview-based research

• Interest in education policy implementation and educational equity

• Experience collaborating with practitioners (e.g., districts, state agencies, community organizations)

• Excellent organizational and project management skills

• Commitment to collaborative, team-based research

• Strong scholarly writing skills, including publications or manuscripts under review

Complete applications include CV, Cover Letter, and the names and contact information of 2 references

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.