POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE — ENGINEERING EDUCATION RESEARCH

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 62,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY seeks a Postdoctoral Associate in Engineering Education Research to lead a national multi-institutional study of model-based Studio pedagogy. The role combines engineering practice with education research, including data management, quantitative analyses, and development of AI-enabled feedback systems.

Mentored by Professor Jonathan Butcher, you will publish research and collaborate across sites.

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering or engineering education.
• Experience building quantitative models for engineering problems.
• Strong writing and collaboration across sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of the national multi-institutional network.
• Coordinate research protocols and assessments across institutions.
• Publish first-author papers and disseminate findings.

Skills

Quantitative modeling

Programming (Python)

Data management

Written communication

Education

PhD in engineering or engineering education

Tools

Python

Data analysis tools

Job description

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE — ENGINEERING EDUCATION RESEARCH

CORNELL UNIVERSITY - Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering

National Research Network • Quantitative Studio Pedagogy • Engineering Learning and Feedback

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research appointment in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. Supported by an NIH R25 award, this position offers the opportunity to help establish and lead a national, multi-institutional engineering education research collaboration examining the implementation, adaptation, and effectiveness of model-based Studio pedagogy.

The postdoctoral associate will play a central role in leading the development of the network and its shared, longitudinal research data resource, coordinating research protocols and assessment across participating institutions, and building productive collaborations with engineering faculty. The resulting dataset will support comparative investigations of how instructional practice, student engineering competencies, and learning outcomes evolve across courses, cohorts, and institutional contexts. The associate is expected to lead original analyses, first-author publications, and dissemination of findings within the engineering education research community.

This role is grounded in engineering practice as well as education research. As part of their own professional development, the associate will independently design, deliver, and refine engineering Studios and assist collaborating faculty in translating their disciplinary content into quantitative modeling, simulation, sensitivity analysis, and evidence-based engineering decision-making activities. Research will use the PRIME studio model to examine the quality of engineering reasoning and student work products, not simply participation in active learning. The associate will also contribute to the design and evaluation of computational and AI-enabled feedback systems linking classroom interactions, instructor feedback, and evolving engineering work.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in engineering, engineering education or a closely related quantitative discipline, and bring demonstrated experience developing or applying quantitative models to substantive engineering or scientific problems, along with working programming skills for organizing and managing research data . Such experience may come from doctoral research, subsequent training, professional practice, or teaching; no specific doctoral degree title is required. Prior education research experience is valued but not essential. Candidates should demonstrate research independence, strong written communication, and an interest in collaborative, multi-site scholarship.

The position is directed by Professor Jonathan Butcher and offers mentorship in engineering education research, implementation studies, assessment, and computational feedback; opportunities for independent publications and professional networking are integral to the appointment.

Ithaca and the Finger Lakes

Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York, offering a strong interdisciplinary research environment in the beautiful and affordable Finger Lakes region, with waterfalls, trails, lakes, and a lively small city community.

The hiring rate for this position will be $63,480.

Pay Ranges:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

$62,232.00 - $88,745.00

Inquiries:

Jonathan Butcher, PhD

Joseph N. Pew Jr Professor in Engineering

[e-mail]

EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.