Postdoctoral Fellow

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (PA, TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to research factors affecting student retention and graduation rates in higher education. This role involves analyzing financial stress impacts on student outcomes and managing databases. Candidates should possess a doctoral degree in relevant fields and have strong quantitative research skills. This unpaid position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research while fostering diversity and inclusion within the academic community. Join us in making a difference in higher education!

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in quantitative research methods and statistical modeling.
• Experience with educational data analysis and database management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on student retention and graduation rates.
• Perform statistical analysis and develop policies based on findings.

Skills

Quantitative research methods

Statistical modeling

Database management

Educational data analysis

Education

Doctoral degree in Higher Education

Doctoral degree in Education Policy

Doctoral degree in Economics

Doctoral degree in Sociology

Tools

Stata

Mplus

R

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Current Penn State Employees: Please log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here.
2. Current Penn State Students (not previously employed): Please log in to Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here.
3. External Applicants: Click "Apply" and complete the application process.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available to assist in research on factors influencing student retention and graduation rates in higher education. The position is under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Education Policy Studies and the Center for the Study of Higher Education in the College of Education.

Applicants should have familiarity with post-secondary institutions both domestically and internationally, including institutional finances and student issues. The research will focus on financial stress and its effects on retention and graduation, as well as the relationship between institutional expenditures and student outcomes.

Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in Higher Education, Education Policy, Economics, Sociology, or a related field, with proven expertise in quantitative research methods and statistical modeling, using software such as Stata, Mplus, or R. Experience with quantitative educational data analysis is highly desirable. Responsibilities include database management, statistical analysis, manuscript writing, and policy development based on research findings.

This unpaid position begins on May 15, 2025, for one year, with potential renewal. Applicants must secure external funding for the fellowship. They should submit a cover letter detailing relevant experience and funding sources, along with a CV including contact info for referees.

The Pennsylvania State University values diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a culture of belonging that supports all community members to thrive. We believe belonging is essential to our mission of teaching, research, and service.

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