The Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC) at the University of Pittsburgh is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in child development with an emphasis on motivation, socialization processes, and racial and gender disparities in learning. The initial appointment will be two years with the possibility of renewal for a third year. The position involves work on several research projects exploring how sociocultural and psychosocial factors influence student engagement, mindset beliefs, identity development, and academic learning during middle childhood and adolescence, particularly for students of color and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The work takes an interdisciplinary approach and applies questions and methods from psychological and education science to elementary and secondary school settings. Applicants must have a PhD and a track record of publication in psychology or education, substantive knowledge and background in the field of developmental/educational psychology, child/adolescent development, or quantitative psychology, and excellent academic writing and interpersonal skills. Strong quantitative skills (e.g., HLM, SEM, and growth modeling) are required. Experience with math and science learning and/or research in urban school contexts are preferred.
The fellow will receive strong mentoring with well-established scholars focused on the demanding aspects of producing high quality scholarship. The fellow will be expected to build a research program by formulating research questions, generating research designs, writing grants, conducting analysis, and writing and presenting findings.
To apply for this position, please submit (1) a cover letter describing your research goals and training, including why your background and interests are a good match for the position, (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) two writing samples, (4) three letters of reference to http://www.education.pitt.edu/facultysearch/. The online system will prompt applicants to request three letters of recommendation, directly.
Reviews of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application no later than 4/30/2019. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Ming-Te Wang, at mtwang@pitt.edu, or Dr. James Huguley, at Huguley@pitt.edu.
LRDC is an internationally renowned center with the aim of promoting basic and applied research on learning in its cognitive, neural, social, and motivational aspects and to make research and human development links to formal and informal settings. Pittsburgh is repeatedly voted among “The Most Livable City”, with affordable cost of living and access to a wide array of seasonal recreation opportunities, professional and collegiate athletic events, and a vibrant cultural district.