CASTL Research Scientist

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia, CASTL, seeks an experienced research scientist to lead research across teacher development projects under Dr. Julie Cohen.

You will co-develop lab strategy and coordinate activities across sites, with opportunities to publish findings and pursue targeted professional development.

Qualifications

• Education: Requires a doctoral degree or master's degree with significant experience.
• PhD in education, curriculum and instruction, or teacher education (or related field).
• Experience coordinating multi-site research projects and labs.

Responsibilities

• Designing and validating measurement instruments and rubrics to monitor teacher practice and program quality.
• Coordinating data collection across multi-site partnerships and institutions.
• Bridging qualitative and quantitative methods to assess tool implementation and effects.
• Translating policy goals into research questions and progress-monitoring systems.

Skills

Data collection

Research design

Manuscripts for publications

Grant proposal development

Lab coordination

Education

PhD in education, curriculum and instruction, or teacher education

Masters degree in education or related field

Job description

The Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) in the School of Education and Human Development is seeking applications for an experienced research scientist to work under the mentorship of Dr. Julie Cohen on several grant-funded research projects focused on teacher development. The research scientist will work with Dr. Cohen to lead research work across the lab, co-develop lab strategy, and coordinate systems for coordinating activities across various workstreams.

The research scientist will also have opportunities to publish emerging findings from these research studies and receive targeted professional development geared towards the scientist's career aspirations (e.g., teaching, research, university leadership experience).

Responsibilities include:

Research infrastructure

• Designing and validating measurement instruments and rubrics used to monitor teacher practice and program quality.
• Coordinating data collection across multi-site, multi-institution partnerships, including state education agencies and university partners.
• Bridging qualitative and quantitative measurement approaches to assess implementation and effects of teacher-facing tools.
• Translating large-scale policy or initiative goals into research questions, measurement plans, and progress-monitoring systems usable by non-academic partners.

Communications and manuscript development

• Preparing reporting and materials for academic funders, state agency, and cross-sector partners with different reporting expectations and audiences.
• Supporting proposal development for renewed/follow-on funding in active multi-PI partnerships.
• Developing grant proposals, manuscripts, and memos.

Cross-institutional and multi-PI coordination

• Serving as a coordinating point of contact across multiple PIs and institutions to align research design, timelines, and deliverables across sites.
• Managing research activity within externally-governed initiatives where the research team is one partner among several.
• Supporting continuity and knowledge transfer as projects move between grant cycles, PIs, or institutional homes.

In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Requires a doctoral degree or master's degree with significant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: PhD in education, curriculum and instruction, or teacher education and/or Masters degree in education or a related field

Experience:

• 3-5 years teaching in PK-12 settings.
• Collecting quantitative and qualitative data.
• Designing research studies focused on teachers.
• Developing manuscripts for publications.
• Designing memos or reports for funders other educational stakeholders.
• Coordinating activities and/or developing strategy for a lab, center, or other academic institute.

Physical Demands:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range:

The anticipated hiring range is $90,000-$95,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Exemption Status:

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

Funding Details :

This position has a term limit of 1 year after which continued employment will depend on funding and performance in the role.

Work Arrangement

This position is in person for local applications, but is fully remote for all other applicants and may be performed outside of Charlottesville, VA, in alignment with UVA's remote work guidelines.

About UVA and the Community:

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline:

Application review will begin after August 28th, 2026.

Background Check

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

Visa Sponsorship:

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Reference Check Process:

Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.