Postdoctoral Scholar: Community Centered Computer Science

Teachers College, Columbia University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Teachers College, Columbia University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to enhance research and curriculum development. The role emphasizes collaboration with educators and community partners in New York, supporting innovative education projects.

This position requires a Ph.D. or Ed.D. along with strong communication and data management skills. The salary range is $60,000–$70,000 annually, with a focus on onsite collaboration. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, writing sample, and references.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in a relevant field.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Strong data management skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on curriculum development for community priorities.
• Support professional learning with teaching teams.
• Conduct and document classroom observations.

Skills

Qualitative research methodologies

Quantitative research methodologies

Data management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaborative work

Education

Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Education or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

Job Summary

The Vice Dean of Teacher Education and Community Partnerships at Teachers College, Columbia University, is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to support the research, curriculum development, and dissemination components of interrelated projects. This is a 12‑month position beginning in September 2026.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers and researchers to co‑design and refine computer science curriculum materials connected to community priorities and students' lived experiences.
• Support in‑school implementation and professional learning with teaching teams.
• Document curriculum iterations and implementation fidelity.
• Serve as a key liaison between researchers, school teams, and community partners.
• Contribute to progress reports and future funding proposals.
• Conduct classroom observations and support the collection of interview, focus group, and survey data.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, including coding, factor analysis, and measurement validation.
• Ensure ethical research practices, informed consent, and secure data storage and confidentiality protocols.
• Co‑author journal articles, conference presentations, research briefs, and community reports.
• Present findings at national research conferences and local stakeholder events.
• Contribute to the development of tools and resources for educators and researchers.

Application Materials

• A cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• One writing sample (e.g., journal article, dissertation chapter, or conference paper)
• Contact information for three references

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Education, Learning Sciences, Educational Psychology, Curriculum Studies, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies
• Strong data management skills, including experience using tools such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or similar platforms to track, organize, and analyze data
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively
• Experience working collaboratively in team‑based environments, particularly across institutional, geographic, or cultural boundaries

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with participatory or community‑engaged research
• Familiarity with K–12 STEM or computer science education
• Background in curriculum design, teacher professional development, or instructional support
• Knowledge of rural education or Hawaiian community contexts is beneficial

Salary Range

$60,000–$70,000

Work Modality

Onsite

For inquiries about the position, contact Colby Tofel‑Grehl at [e-mail]. 

This is a one‑year appointment.