ENGAGE Post Doctoral Research Associate

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville, Virginia, Evanston Township (VA, MN, IL); On-site; USD 63,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative educational center is seeking a passionate postdoctoral research associate to contribute to a groundbreaking study on teacher well-being and social-emotional skills. This full-time role offers a unique opportunity to engage in large-scale research, collaborate with experienced mentors, and develop professionally. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in K-12 education, mindfulness practices, and data analysis. Join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing educational practices and making a meaningful impact in schools. This position promises both professional growth and the chance to influence the future of education positively.

Benefits

UVA Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Research Training

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree required, preferably in education with a focus on social and emotional learning.
• Experience in K-12 education and teaching mindfulness programs.

Responsibilities

• Recruit educators and schools for Project ENGAGE.
• Monitor adherence to intervention fidelity and provide feedback.
• Collect and analyze data on implementation processes.

Skills

Social and Emotional Learning

Mindfulness

Data Analysis

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

K-12 Education

Education

Ph.D. or EdD in Education

Doctoral Degree

Tools

Data Collection Tools

Job description

The Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) is seeking applications for a qualified postdoctoral research associate to work under the mentorship of Dr. Tish Jennings on Project ENGAGE, a federally funded study focused on teacher well-being and social and emotional skills involving mindfulness and compassion activities called CARE.

The ideal candidate is a scholar with previous experience as a public-school K-12 educator and a focus in social and emotional learning, educator stress, and mindfulness. In addition, an ideal candidate will have some experience collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data and coordinating findings across data sources.

The postdoctoral research associate will have opportunities to publish emerging findings from these research studies. In addition, within this role, the Associate will receive (a) mentored professional development on manuscript preparation and grant development; (b) immersion in large-scale research; (c) research training; and (d) tailored professional development geared towards the Associate's career aspirations (e.g., teaching, university leadership experience). University teaching opportunities may be available, if desired.

This position is located in Charlottesville and starts on or around August 9, 2025.

Role and Responsibilities:

The ENGAGE Post Doctoral Research Associate will help with school and educator recruitment and buy-in, CARE program implementation and fidelity of implementation monitoring, and data analysis and manuscript generation. This position will complete duties as follows:

Recruiting:

• Reaching out to potential districts to assess interest and pursue partnerships

• Outreach to principals in participating districts to provide information and to engage the school in partnership

• Outreach to educators at participating schools to support their understanding of the project and obtain buy-in

• Manage recruitment efforts for project team, including coordinating with part-time staff

Adherence Monitoring:

• Collaborate with Project ENGAGE Fidelity Team members to ensure implementation fidelity

• Ensure that the core components of the intervention are delivered as planned.

• Use tools such as checklists and surveys to monitor adherence.

Training and Support:

• Collaborate on training to intervention facilitators to ensure they understand and can implement the intervention correctly

• Offer ongoing support to facilitators and their communications

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Collect data on the implementation process, including facilitator performance and participant feedback

• Analyze fidelity data to identify areas where the intervention may not be implemented as intended

Feedback and Improvement:

• Provide feedback to facilitators based on fidelity data

• Suggest improvements to enhance fidelity and address any deviations from the planned intervention

Documentation:

• Maintain detailed records of the implementation process, including any adaptations made to the intervention

• Document the reasons for any deviations from the planned intervention

• Assist with the creation of annual reports

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with stakeholders, including participants, facilitators, and organizational leaders, to ensure their support and buy-in for the intervention

• Communicate the importance of fidelity to all stakeholders

Minimum Requirements
Education: Doctoral degree

Preferred Qualifications

Significant preference will be given to those candidates who meet some or all preferred qualifications. Candidates are strongly encouraged to explain in their cover letter how their experience and qualifications align with the following criteria:

• Ph.D. or EdD. in education, with an emphasis on social and emotional learning, or curriculum and instruction

• K-12 experience

• Experience teaching mindfulness programs

• Qualitative data collection and analysis

• Coordinating quantitative and qualitative findings

Salary: This is a full-time position with an anticipated salary of $62,500, including UVA benefits.

Location: This position is located in Charlottesville, VA.

Anticipated Start Date: on or around August 9, 2025.

Application Instructions: Apply Now. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile, search Find Jobs and then R0072077. Complete an application online and include the following documents:

• A CV/resume

• A cover letter

• At least 2 letters of reference will be requested of finalists at the end of the interview process.

All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The position will remain open until filled. This is an exempt level, benefited position.

This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

This restricted position is a 12-month appointment, and continuation is dependent upon project need, continued availability of funding, and performance.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

For additional information about the position, please contact Professor Tish Jennings at [e-mail]. For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks.

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.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physicians Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experience. We are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.