University of Massachusetts at Boston (UMB) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a multi-year study focused on increasing the participation of Women of Color in STEM by examining the impact of a multigenerational mentorship environment [I CAN PERSIST (ICP) STEM Initiative] designed to support STEM persistence among undergraduate and graduate Women of Color in STEM. The ICP STEM Initiative is focused on supporting well-being and thriving among women who identify as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and/or Multiracial. The goals of this project are to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness of the ICP counterspace on STEM persistence; 2) extend the application of this counterspace to a minority-serving institution (MSI) and compare its effectiveness to Women of Color enrolled at a predominantly white institution (PWI); 3) understand the ways in which an intentional and explicit focus on psychosocial wellbeing affects STEM persistence among Women of Color; and 4) examine the long-term impact of engagement in the counterspace on Women of Color STEM persistence, including on degree completion and entry into the STEM workforce. The overall research project is a collaboration between multiple partners at the University of Massachusetts Boston, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Rice University. A short description of this NSF project can be found at https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2013465&HistoricalAwards=false
Examples of Duties:
- Complete orientation on the overall project goals and on the ICP approach for supporting graduate and undergraduate Women of Color in STEM
- Contribute to the development and refinement of the ICP activities and overall project approach
- Participate substantively in project research including instrument development and validation, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, and overall project management
- Facilitate ICP activities designed to support undergraduate and graduate Women of Color in STEM
- Maintain project databases across institutions
- Propose, lead, and participate in professional presentations and workshops at state, regional, and national conferences of relevant professional organizations focused on a wide variety of foundational research and development issues related to developing sustainable approaches to supporting Women of Color in STEM
- Author conference proposals and manuscripts based on the project’s research and development work and findings
Qualifications:
Completion of Ph.D. degree is required. Strong background in education in one or more of the STEM disciplines, higher education and student affairs, psychology or counseling psychology. Demonstrated track record showing commitment to issues of equity and social justice specifically related to Women of Color. Experience in K-12 schools is preferred.
Application Instructions:
The anticipated start date for the position is June 1, 2021. Initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of extension for an additional year depending on continued interest, performance, and available funding. Some travel to study sites, partner institutions, and conferences may be required. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications.
Full consideration will be given to those applicants who submit all materials by January 14, 2021 at 5pm EST.
A complete submission will consist of:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three Letters of Reference
- Research Statement
- Diversity and equity statement
- Two Writing Samples (35 page max, e.g., dissertation chapter, journal article)
Those interested may learn more and apply at the full announcement, here.