POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCHOLAR

Rossier School of Education

University of Southern California

The Motivation and Education Research Group at the University of Southern California (USC), along with collaborating researchers at University of Michigan (UM), Texas State University (TXST), and Arizona State University (ASU) are looking for a postdoctoral research scholar to work on a NIH-funded research focused on the effectiveness of an intervention designed to promote agency among diverse college students in introductory classes required in biomedical science majors starting approximately in April 2027. The project is currently in the 4th year of the award and focused on later stages of data collection for longitudinal follow-ups and ongoing analysis and report write-up. 

Project details here: https://reporter.nih.gov/search/8c_huWmjQkuYpiBgJucQiQ/project-details/11381838

Applications are strongly encouraged from scholars with training and research experience in motivation interventions targeting STEM college student beliefs and behavior, longitudinal research, and advanced quantitative research methods. Experience with multilevel modeling is required. Candidates with project management experience are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will work closely with Project PIs (Erika Patall at USC, Germine Awad at UM, Carlton Fong at TXST, and Keenan Pituch at ASU) on various aspects of the research design, implementation, and analysis, including intervention development, data management, supervision of graduate and undergraduate research assistants, analysis, and dissemination. At this phase of the project, the role will require great attention to data analysis, dissemination, and project management, including working closely with the PIs, grants administration office, members of the research team, and research participants to ensure that the final stages of the project run smoothly and are compliant with NIH policies.

Applicants should have a completed PhD in educational psychology, psychology, education, quantitative methods, or a related field. This position is a full-time, 12-month appointment, with the possibility of renewal, depending on the availability of a no-cost-extension. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  

The salary range for this position is $73,000-$80,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Letter of interest, two sample publications, current vita, and contact information for three letters of reference.

Please contact Dr. Erika Patall for more information @ patall@rossier.usc.edu. 

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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