The Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University seeks a postdoctoral scholar to work collaboratively with faculty and students on a privately funded research project – Readiness through Integrative Science and Engineering (RISE). Project RISE is a community-based research collaboration with two education programs - Head Start programs in Boston, MA and the early childhood programs in the Santa Ana Unified School District in Santa Ana, CA – and in its twelfth year of continuous funding having recently undergone a randomized controlled trial in forty Head Start classrooms in Boston. The RISE approach is an integrated method to providing professional development (PD) support to Head Start teachers that is centered on best practices in professional development, best practices in preschool science, technology, and engineering teaching/pedagogy, and intentional engagement of families consistent with a strengths-based and sociocultural approach, for the benefit of dual language learning (DLL) children’s early education and well-being. The project is now entering the replication and sustainability phases. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work directly with Tufts RISE faculty member, Dr. Christine McWayne, as well as with faculty and community partners at other collaborating institutions.

The scholar will work in several capacities including project design, data collection, data analyses, interpretation, and dissemination through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and translational materials. The scholar will contribute to and gain experience with the preparation and submission of proposals for federal, other public, and private funding related to work developed with RISE collaborators. In addition, the scholar will have opportunities to work on their own scholarly agenda and other projects of mutual interest.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Human Development, Education, Developmental Psychology or a related field, a strong scholarly interest in a participatory approach to the study of young children, their families and early childhood educators, training in advanced quantitative methods, as well as experience with qualitative research and/or mixed methods approaches. The successful candidate will be highly motivated to pursue a career path in academic research, interested in forging collaborative relationships with community partners, and have a strong commitment to promoting culturally inclusive school experiences for young minoritized children and their families. Candidates from groups underrepresented in higher education are strongly encouraged to apply to be a part of a supportive and dynamic community of scholars.

Review of applications will begin April 18, 2023 and continue until a successful candidate is identified. The position start date is somewhat negotiable, with a definite start date by August 1, 2023 for a one-year period, with a likely renewal for a second and, possibly, third year contingent on additional funding.

Please apply by submitting a letter of interest, curriculum vita, writing sample, and contact information for three references to Dr. Christine McWayne: christine.mcwayne@tufts.edu. Please include “Postdoctoral Scholar Application” in the subject heading. This is a one-year limited appointment position, with a possible renewal for a second year. This position is not eligible for severance pay.

Equal Opportunity Employer – minority/female/veterans/disability/sexual orientation/gender identity.