Postdoctoral Fellow, Research & Assessment

Winston Salem, NC - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 3 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

External Applicants:

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Job Description Summary

The Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University is seeking a creative and committed Postdoctoral Research Fellow with expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis to advance research and evaluation into character education in higher education. To support the resource creation for an expanding network of character educators the postdoctoral fellow will work closely with the Senior Research Scholar to conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis on several research projects exploring the impact of character education initiatives within the university context. As part of a new grant funded by the John Templeton Foundation this position will help to produce resources for institutions through developing measurement resources including validation of new or context-adapted measures publishing articles that demonstrate the impact of intentional character education efforts in higher education and contributing to the field in a variety of ways that help equip other institutions in their efforts.

We are particularly interested in those with expertise in research methods pertaining to repeated measures quasi-experimental research studies and who may offer innovative ways to assess the impact of applied programming. The postdoctoral fellow will be involved in a variety of tasks including conducting research related to leadership and character designing and conducting empirical studies related to interventions including hypothesis testing creating reports for internal feedback loops and preparing manuscripts for publication. We welcome applications from scholars with expertise in the empirical assessment of character moral education moral personality or related topics who have strong methodological experience assessing interventions or evaluating programs. Evidence of mixed-methods (i.e. quantitative and qualitative) empirical research skills is required. The postdoctoral fellow will work with an interdisciplinary research team publishing innovative and potentially transformative research and resources on cultivating character and leadership in a university context. The grant-funded postdoctoral role will be for a two-year term.

To apply please provide 1) a cover letter detailing your relevant expertise and interest in the position 2) a curriculum vitae 3) a one-page statement describing your approach to empirical research and assessment; 4) a scholarly writing sample or published article; and 5) a list of at least three professional or scholarly references including at least one current or former supervisor. Applications submitted by April 30 2026 will receive priority consideration. Candidates who wish to work remotely will be considered.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

Will report to and work closely with the Senior Research Scholar and the Research Program Manager to design and analyze multiple research studies related to leadership and character development in the university context.
Conceptualize innovative and creative ways to measure and evaluate key constructs and facets related to leadership and character.
Conduct evaluation and assessment of relevant courses and programming in a university context.
Conduct a range of quantitative analyses such as multilevel modeling psychometric validation analyses and nonparametric approaches.
Conduct a range of qualitative analysis such as thematic interpretative phenomenological or content analysis.
Search pertinent scientific literature as needed.
Prepare manuscripts for publication in relevant academic journals and books and lead scholarly paper writing on character and leadership growth in students basic knowledge about virtue and new measures.
Communicate findings and recommendations through oral and written reports for facilitators of programming.
Facilitate research and assessment workshops for conferences convenings and other institutions as needed to support leadership and character outreach and engagement.
Assist with writing coordinating and managing research components of major grants.
Assist with research-related strategic communication and planning grant administration and program development as needed.
Performs other duties as needed.

Required Education Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Ph.D. and record of publication in a relevant academic discipline (e.g. education psychology or other social sciences).
Experience designing research or assessment plans and/or measures.
Expertise in mixed-method research design and data analysis.
Exceptional written oral and visual communication skills.
Excellent organizational administrative and interpersonal skills with accuracy and attention to detail the ability to juggle competing demands work efficiently and deliver high-quality work while adhering to deadlines.
Familiarity with institutional review board (IRB) policies and procedures
Ability to use statistical software (e.g. SPSS or R) to direct and conduct the analysis and reporting of quantitative data.
Experience with survey and database software used to collect and manage data (e.g. Qualtrics).
Good character sound judgment and a strong work ethic.
Commitment to supporting the moral and intellectual development of college and university students.
Commitment to the mission and vision of the Program for Leadership and Character and a desire to contribute to its work
Strong sense of teamwork and collegiality.
Ability to work effectively with a hybrid team.

Demonstrated ability to:

Design manage and coordinate multiple research studies simultaneously.
Publish rigorous academic research in respected journals and publications.
Conduct projects and work independently with minimal supervision.
Collaborate with program staff postdoctoral fellows and research assistants to successfully conduct analyze and disseminate co-authored research.
Collect analyze and manage complex datasets.
Develop short- and long-term research and assessment goals.
Set priorities and effectively manage time and resources.
Exercise discretion and keep sensitive information confidential.
Positively influence colleagues and develop collaborative relationships with a wide range of people.
Willingness to learn more about leadership and character development and apply that knowledge to inform program design implementation and assessment.
Knowledge and understanding of academic cultures rules and regulations.
Openness to feedback and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Ability to represent the program and University in a professional manner.

Preferred Education Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Experience with empirical research on personality character and/or morality
Extensive knowledge of character education character interventions and/or character assessment.
Experience securing external funding through public or private grants.
Experience working collaboratively with a wide range of constituencies including students faculty staff and administrators.

Accountabilities:

Reports to Senior Research Scholar for the College research team of the Program for Leadership and Character
Responsible for own work

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race color religion national origin sex age sexual orientation gender identity and expression genetic information disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please contact or .

External Applicants: Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application including your resume cover letter and any additional materials specified in the job description.Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:Navigate to the My Experience application page.Locate...