Post-doctoral Research Associate- Educational Measurement and Statistics- UTK Position Available In Knox, Tennessee

Post-doctoral Research Associate- Educational Measurement and Statistics- UTK
University of Tennessee Chattanooga Knoxville, TN Full-time Education
Posted on March 30, 2025
Job Description
The Tennessee Reading Research Center (TRRC) is conducting state-level evaluations of literacy initiatives as well as federally funded research to identify effective literacy instructional practices and improve the determination of students’ literacy outcomes. The projects are led by Professor and Director Dr. Deborah K. Reed and assisted by the Research Assistant Professor and Statistician Dr. Huibin Zhang. The TRRC works with a dynamic team of professional and student staff as well as external collaborators from other universities, state education agencies, and school districts.
The Tennessee Reading Research Center (TRRC) is conducting state-level evaluations of literacy initiatives as well as federally funded research to identify effective literacy instructional practices and improve the determination of students’ literacy outcomes. The projects are led by Professor and Director Dr. Deborah K. Reed and assisted by the Research Assistant Professor and Statistician Dr. Huibin Zhang. The TRRC works with a dynamic team of professional and student staff as well as external collaborators from other universities, state education agencies, and school districts.
Responsibilities
We seek a postdoctoral fellow to support the preparation and analysis of datasets. This fellowship will provide opportunities for an early career researcher to contribute to the TRRC’s goal to strengthen causal inferences while developing a range of skills in educational measurement and statistics. Current projects involve growth curve modeling, longitudinal data analysis, and meta-analysis. The work also might involve propensity score weighting and structural equation modeling (SEM).
The project is based in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, a leading educational research institution, located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The position includes opportunities to produce peer-reviewed journal articles and contribute to the development of equitable and evidence-based educational practices. Depending upon the productivity of the scholar, there are possibilities for presenting at national conferences.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
A completed doctoral degree in educational measurement and statistics, educational psychology, statistics, or a related field before the first day of employment.
Experience working with large, complex datasets.
Experience conducting systematic reviews of the literature.
Proficiency in statistical methods, particularly in modeling outcomes for multilevel and longitudinal data.
Advanced knowledge of R or other statistical software (e.g., Mplus, Python).
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex statistical concepts to diverse audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with causal inference methods, including propensity score weighting and related techniques.
Expertise in multilevel item response theory (IRT) modeling and structural equation modeling (SEM).
A strong record of scholarly publications and presentations.
This position is a full-time, twelve-month appointment with a salary of $62,000, health/dental insurance, and other benefits. UTK strives to provide eligible employees with a comprehensive suite of benefits. For complete information about insurance, retirement, and other available benefits, visit the UT System HR Benefits website. This position is for up to three years, contingent upon mutual agreement and satisfactory annual performance. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.”
The Application review will begin April 5, 2025, and the position start date is between May 15 and August 1, 2025.
Applicants should send a detailed CV, a cover letter explaining interest and expertise related to the project, as well as the names and contact information of three references. Please direct all inquiries and applications to Dr. Deborah Reed, dreed20@utk.edu.

Closing Date:

April 5, 2025