Postdoctoral Fellow, Educating Character Initiative

Wake Forest University; Winston-Salem (NC); Remote; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University invites applications for two postdoctoral research fellowships with the Educating Character Initiative (ECI), housed within the Program for Leadership and Character. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will join the ECI research team to study character development in higher education, coauthor scholarly papers, and help coordinate the Communities of Character Study, with a two-phase design spanning qualitative interviews and a longitudinal

Qualifications

• PhD by start date in a social science field.
• Strong quantitative research skills, including survey methodology and statistical modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to write for peer-reviewed publication.
• Excellent interpersonal, scientific writing, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Coauthor journal articles and conference papers with the ECI team.
• Contribute to the qualitative phase of the Communities of Character Study.
• Design and conduct the quantitative phase of the study.
• Support grant development and proposal preparation.

Skills

Quantitative research

Peer-reviewed writing

Interpersonal communication

Independent & collaborative work

Education

PhD in Psychology / Sociology / Education

Job description

Job Description Summary

Wake Forest University invites applications for two postdoctoral research fellowships with the Educating Character Initiative (ECI), housed within the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.

The postdoctoral fellow will join the ECI research team to study character development in higher education. Our team investigates questions about the nature of character and how this can be assessed, predictors and outcomes of character development, and how higher education stakeholders view intentional efforts to promote students' character development. We welcome applications from candidates with expertise in any discipline relevant to research related to character, virtue, moral and intellectual development and/or higher education.

The successful candidate will coauthor scholarly papers using several existing datasets and help coordinate a new data collection project, the Communities of Character Study.

Communities of Character includes two phases: an initial, qualitative phase, involving interviews with students, staff, and faculty at a select group of colleges and universities, and a second, quantitative phase involving a longitudinal survey of college students and peers who are not enrolled in higher education. The overarching aim of the project is to study how communities both inside and outside of formal educational settings shape individuals' character development.

These positions are available on a one-year contractual basis, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding. Candidates who wish to work remotely will be considered, subject to University review and approval. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin January 15, 2027, and the position will remain open until filled.

Job Description

Essential Functions

• Coauthor journal articles and conference papers with other members of the ECI research team
• Contribute, as applicable, to the qualitative phase of the Communities of Character Study
• Help design and conduct the quantitative phase of the Communities of Character Study
• Support technical proposal preparation for developing new projects and securing grant funding

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• PhD (by start date) in Psychology, Sociology, Education, or another social science discipline
• Strong quantitative research skills, including survey methodology, statistical modeling, and analysis of large or multi-level datasets, with a focus on character, virtue, moral development, higher education, and/or related areas
• Demonstrated ability to write for peer-reviewed academic publication, evidenced by a strong publication record
• Outstanding skills in interpersonal communication, scientific writing, and effective time management
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cooperative team setting

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience with qualitative research methods, including interview design, coding, and thematic analysis
• Experience designing or fielding original survey instruments
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to juggle competing demands, work efficiently, and deliver high quality work while adhering to deadlines
• Openness to feedback and a commitment to personal and professional growth

Accountabilities

• Report to Managing Director, Communities of Impact
• Work under Research team direction
• Perform tasks under minimal supervision
• Responsible for their own work

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