Postdoctoral Research Fellow (ASCEND Initiative)

Agency

Department

The Prairie View A&M University Postdoctoral Research Fellow will support the ASCEND Initiative a collaborative effort with Yale University focused on faculty development and institutional transformation in higher education. This two-year full-time appointment runs from June 1 2026 through May 30 2028 and is designed for an emerging scholar seeking to build a strong applied research portfolio on institutional collaborations in higher education.

The postdoctoral fellow will play a central role in evaluating and documenting the impact of ASCEND through rigorous research reporting and dissemination. The position includes responsibilities in research and evaluation collaboration and stakeholder engagement and teaching.

During the Fall and Spring semesters time is typically allocated across research and ASCEND Initiative activities teaching responsibilities and reporting collaboration and professional development. During the summer months (June through July) the full 40-hour workweek is dedicated exclusively to research-related activities.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary isdeterminedin accordance withthe Universitys compensation structure and will becommensuratewith the candidates education and experience within the assigned salary range for this position.

Responsibilities:

Research and Evaluation

• Support research activities associated with the ASCEND Initiative including study design data collection management and analysis using qualitative quantitative or mixed methods approaches.
• Collect manage and analyze data to assess program effectiveness and outcomes.
• Prepare comprehensive annual reports documenting initiative progress impact and key findings.
• Develop manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals policy briefs and institutional reports.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to dissemination strategies that highlight the impact and outcomes of the initiative.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate closely with partners at Prairie View A&M University and Yale University to ensure alignment of research goals and deliverables.
• Engage with faculty participants and program stakeholders to support data collection efforts and continuous improvement processes.
• Contribute to strategic discussions about scaling and sustaining ASCEND outcomes across institutional contexts.

Teaching

• Teach one 3-credit course during the Fall semester and one 3-credit course during the Spring semester at Prairie View A&M University.
• Develop course materials facilitate instruction maintain office hours and support student learning through research-informed pedagogical practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Education or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in research design and methodology.
• Strong scholarly writing skills with evidence of publication or clear potential for publication.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with program evaluation faculty development initiatives or higher education research.
• Experience working on multi-institutional projects.
• Record of conference presentations or publications.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in education and student success.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation and employment is contingent upon the institutions verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institutions procedures including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.