Post Doctoral Associate

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:

For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the New Jersey Scholarship Transformative Education in Prisons (NJ- STEP). NJ- STEP seeks a Postdoctoral Associate specializing in educational research to assist in a departmental self-study. The duration of the postdoctoral associateship is for one year however, renewal for a second year is possible and based on performance and available funding. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, interested in forging collaborative relationships with staff and faculty and have a strong commitment to evidence-based policy. Successful candidates must have excellent qualitative research skills and extensive experience with literature reviews. Additionally, candidates must have expertise in a research area related to education policy, restorative justice, or higher education in prison.

This position requires a PhD (or other doctoral degree) in education, public policy, social work or related field. In addition, it requires:
* Strong data analysis skills;
* Ability to work independently;
* Experience working on research projects with a research team; and
* Excellent verbal, writing and analytical, organizational and attention to detail skills, computer literacy and general electronic communication skills.
* Content area expertise in education, restorative justice, teacher preparation or higher education in prison.

The position will exercise substantial independent judgment. The position will be responsible for contributing to the design of a self-study project and research projects that it inspires. As such, the person in this position will make independent decisions with respect to the following critical research design issues:
* Which variables should be included in each model?
* From what population should the comparison group be drawn?
* Which procedures should be used to determine the comparison group?
* Which models should be use for the data analysis?
* How should missing values in the data be treated?
* Which performance measures are the most appropriate ones for measuring the effectiveness of different programs?
Although the position will make the key decisions with regard to the design of all research projects, NJ- STEP director and the self study faculty lead, as well as other team members will participate in the decision-making process for developing the final design of the analyses to be conducted.
The position provides input into the development of NJ-STEP's strategic planning process, including proposing new areas of research and recommending additional funding sources for projects. Because the position will have in depth knowledge of the program's data and the analyses that can be conducted based on that data, the person in this position will play a key role in identifying funding opportunities for which the data in the system could be used.

This position requires an advanced degree in a professional field because the primary job duties related to implementing sophisticated research design not taught at the undergraduate level. Doing the position well, moreover, requires that the individual have sufficient experience implementing the different methods of analysis.

Research Preparation and Communication:
Produce timely and high-quality writing, for research reports and presentations; conduct internet and other data searches; conduct literature reviews; assist in the development of research proposals; and prepare research plans.
Independently manages data collection, cleaning, and analysis for assigned projects:
Manages various data projects (including data validation, cleaning, and transforming program administrative data), and collecting and analyzing publicly available data. Conducts qualitative and quantitative data collection (e.g., ethnographic field work, observation, policy and artifact documentation, surveys) and analysis. Serves as embedded recorder and chronicler of all administrative and policy work, curriculum development, student support efforts and ethical discussion. Conducts research and prepares project related technical reports, memorandums, and other written materials.
Personal Research and Professional Development:
Participates in self-directed research with support from NJ- STEP as needed. Participates in training and professional development, attends conferences, contributes to community of postdoctoral fellows at Rutgers. Support identification of future research areas and funding opportunities in the Center. Participate in grant development efforts and Center strategic planning sessions.
Project Management:
Assist in Research project management activities such as monitoring project deliverables and team progress. Schedule project meetings; prepare meeting agendas, meeting summaries, research briefs, and other research project materials.

This position is grant-funded, and is contingent upon available funding.

Job applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three references.