Post Doctoral Research Fellow (UMass Boston)

American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 41,250 - 48,740; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel stipend for conferences

Mentorship support

Job summary

UMass Boston seeks a Post Doctoral Research Fellow focused on advancing research in employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This 12-month hybrid fellowship is designed for early-career scholars to become leaders in disability employment research. Responsibilities include conducting independent research, collaborating with community organizations, and engaging in evaluation activities.

The role requires a doctoral degree and is part-time at 30 hours/week, offering a salary range of $41,250 to $48,740. Applications should include a resume, cover letter, and references.

Qualifications

• Must hold a doctoral degree completed by the appointment time.
• Demonstrated ability in independent disability research.
• Strong written communication and analytical skills required.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a three-day orientation at UMass Boston.
• Work with an experienced ICI research mentor throughout the fellowship.
• Design and conduct an independent research project.

Skills

Independent research

Disability research

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Doctoral degree in a relevant field (sociology, public policy, etc.)

Tools

Research software/tools

Job description

Post Doctoral Research Fellow (UMass Boston)

Company : UMass Boston

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will focus on advancing research related to the employment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as part of the Institute for Community Inclusion’s (ICI) Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program. This 12-month, 30 hours/week (or 0.75FTE) grant-funded hybrid fellowship is designed to prepare early-career scholars to become leaders in disability employment research, specifically within the IDD field in the United States, with an approximate start date in September 2026.

The Fellow will participate in formal instruction on IDD employment research topics and methods and will be assigned an experienced ICI researcher to provide mentorship and guidance alongside other supervisory support. The Fellow will actively contribute to collaborative research opportunities through a Research Practicum involving assigned ICI projects and will develop and implement an independent research project.

As part of the fellowship, the Fellow will engage with community organizations serving individuals with IDD and receive training in grant writing, scholarly writing and publishing, professional presentations, and knowledge translation strategies, with specific targets established to track progress. The Fellow is expected to demonstrate the potential to contribute meaningfully to disability employment scholarship, collaborative team research, knowledge translation, and systems change. Additionally, the Fellow will participate in program evaluation and reporting activities.

Additionally, the Fellow will participate in evaluation and reporting activities related to the ARRT program, providing feedback as a participant to help improve the program.

Examples of Duties

• At the start of the fellowship, participate in a three-day orientation and training event at the university campus in Boston (travel and per diem covered by the program).
• Work with an experienced ICI research mentor and ARRT supervisory team throughout the fellowship.
• Develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with the mentor and supervisory team to guide the fellowship experience and track progress and milestones.
• Participate in weekly meetings with the mentor and quarterly meetings with the supervisory team to review progress and milestones.
• Participate in formal instruction on IDD employment research topics and methods.
• Contribute to collaborative research through a Research Practicum involving assigned ICI projects.
• Design and conduct an independent research project (a research stipend of $2,500 will be provided).
• Present the independent research project proposal and results to the ARRT Advisory Board.
• Engage meaningfully with community organizations serving individuals with IDD as part of the independent research project.
• Participate in hands‑on grant writing with mentorship and workshops.
• Collaborate with cohort peers to develop and submit a grant proposal, with guidance from ICI research mentor and ARRT supervisory team.
• Lead at least one peer‑reviewed manuscript and contribute to at least one additional manuscript.
• Present research at a national conference (a travel stipend of $1,500 will be provided).
• Receive guidance on creating accessible research products, including plain language formats, and practice presentations (including presenting to the ARRT Advisory Board).
• Engage with professional networks and national organizations in the disability and IDD fields.
• Meet progress targets established by the program.
• Contribute to program evaluation and reporting activities, including providing feedback as a program participant.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered for this fellowship:

• Educational Background: Must hold a doctoral degree (or equivalent terminal degree) in a relevant field such as sociology, public policy, disability studies, social work, rehabilitation counseling, education, public health, or a related social science or policy discipline. The degree must be completed by the time of appointment.
• Residency and Eligibility: Per the sponsor agency’s requirements, candidates must be U.S. citizen or legal permanent residents and must be eligible to work in the United States for any employer for the duration of the fellowship.
• Research Experience: Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, with a strong interest in or experience related to disability research, especially in the area of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Preference will be given to candidates with experience in employment‑focused research. Proficiency with research software/tools is preferred.
• Commitment to Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to advancing the welfare, employment, and social inclusion of individuals with disabilities or other underrepresented populations. Professional or volunteer experience in disability inclusion is preferred.
• Communication Skills: Strong written communication and analytical skills are required. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively across a range of audiences and formats (e.g., email, newsletters, websites, social media, presentations), using accessible and appropriate methods suited to the context and audience.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Participation Requirements: Fellows must commit to participating in all program activities and reporting requirements. This includes engaging in fellowship activities at 0.75 FTE (approximately 30 hours per week) for the full 12‑month duration. The fellowship may be conducted remotely within the United States, and relocation to Boston is not required. Fellows must, however, travel to the UMass Boston campus for a required 2–3 day in‑person orientation at the beginning of the fellowship and may also be asked to participate in an additional in‑person meeting toward the end of the fellowship. Fellows are also expected to travel to and ideally present at a national conference as part of their fellowship training. Travel‑related expenses for approved fellowship activities will be supported by the program. To the extent possible, Fellows are expected to work during Eastern Time (U.S.) business hours to align with fellowship and related scheduled activities.

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three references.

This is a non‑union exempt position.

UMass Boston expects to pay within an approximate range between $41,250 and $48,740 for the part‑time, 0.75 FTE position.

The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on the consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact [e-mail] or 617‑287‑5150.

The University of Massachusetts Boston provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy‑related condition, or membership in any other legally protected class. The University of Massachusetts Boston complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the university operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.