Post-Doctoral Research Associate

About the Job

The University of Minnesota's (UMN) Project ELCII (Early Language Comprehension Individualized Instruction) seeks a candidate to fill one Post-Doctoral Associate position. The overarching aim of Project ELCII, a web-based software application designed to teach inference-making in kindergarteners, is to examine its efficacy in a multi-year, cohort-based randomized control trial. The post-doctoral associate will support multiple aspects of the project, with a primary focus on data management, analysis, and dissemination. Opportunities to develop independent scholarship will be available.

The post-doctoral associate will be a full-time, 12-month employee of the University of Minnesota. The post-doctoral associate will work closely with and be primarily supervised by Drs. Panayiota Kendeou and Kristen McMaster in the Department of Educational Psychology. The appointment will be for one year.

The post-doctoral associate should be committed to producing original research and publishing their work in highly ranked journals and other outlets (as appropriate). Mentors are committed to the professional development of the post-doctoral associate and will provide resources to support professional development, including participation in professional conferences.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities:

Research (100%)

• Work closely with project staff to support the implementation of a federally funded school-based project, including (but not limited to) data management and analysis, writing technical reports, and dissemination of study findings.
• Support the creation, management, and retention of large-scale data sets.
• Lead and/or assist with the preparation of research articles, reports, and grants.
• Disseminate research findings at academic conferences and journals.

Qualifications

• All required qualifications must be documented on application materials for fullest consideration.

Required Qualifications:

The successful applicant must have:

• A Ph.D. in educational psychology, special education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting large-scale school-based research.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Strong professional writing skills, including research reports, peer-reviewed research articles, or other print and electronic publications.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in collaborating as a member of a larger research team.
• Experience with reading and/or language comprehension development, assessment, and/or instruction or intervention.

About the Department

The Department of Educational Psychology provides training in the cognitive, emotional, and social learning processes that underlie education and human development across the lifespan, including: the psychological foundations of education, quantitative methods in education, the practice and science of counseling psychology, school psychology, and special education. Faculty and students provide leadership and consultation to the state, nation, and international community. The departments scholarship and teaching enhance professional practice in schools and universities, community mental health agencies, business and industrial organizations, early childhood programs, and government agencies. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/edpsych

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the Universitys third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% time

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Upload additional documents after submitting your application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To be considered for this position, please include:

• Letter of Interest (including your relevant background and research skills)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two relevant publications
• Names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of three references

Review of applications will begin two weeks after posting date. For questions about the position please contact Drs. Pani Kendeou (C:\Users\acvegell\Downloads\kend0040@umn.edukend0040@umn.edu) and Kristen McMaster (mcmas004@umn.edu). For questions about the application process please contact epsy-hr@umn.edu.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.