Postdoctoral Associate - Engineering Education Research

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Engineering Education Research to help lead a national multi-institutional collaboration examining Studio pedagogy and engineering reasoning. The role centers on quantitative analysis, data resource development, and dissemination within the engineering education community.

The successful candidate will design, implement, and refine Studio-based activities, translate disciplinary content into quantitative

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering, engineering education or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Experience developing or applying quantitative models to engineering or scientific problems.
• Strong written communication and ability to work collaboratively in multi-site teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the national multi-institutional engineering education research network.
• Coordinate research protocols and assessment across participating institutions.
• Conduct original analyses, publish as first author, and disseminate findings within the ER community.
• Contribute to design and evaluation of computational and AI-enabled feedback systems.

Job description

Position Description

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE — ENGINEERING EDUCATION RESEARCH 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.

Employment Assistance

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email [e-mail].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice [phone], or email at [e-mail].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.

Pay Ranges

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.

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

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes 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 seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage 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 (VEVRRA) 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.