Postdoctoral Scholar-Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

USC Rossier School of Education

The Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California is seeking a candidate with a strong background in qualitative and/or mixed methods for a postdoctoral research associate. The candidate will work closely with Dr. Huriya Jabbar on a research study sponsored in part by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) Equity Initiative. The study explores links between housing policy and educational opportunities by examining the implementation of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) in the Detroit neighborhood of Corktown and its impact on school diversity and community integration. The research team includes co-principal investigators Kara Finnigan, University of Michigan; DeMarcus Jenkins, University of Pennsylvania; and Sarah Winchell Lenhoff, Wayne State University. The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate with Dr. Jabbar, a doctoral student research assistant at USC, as well as with the broader research team.

The position will involve working on research studies related to housing and school policy. Specifically, the postdoc will assist with literature review, data collection (recruitment, protocol design, in-person and virtual interviews with stakeholders in Detroit, document collection, building a database for network analysis, among other activities), data analysis (including qualitative coding of transcripts, observation notes, and documents; network analysis of inter-organizational ties), and dissemination of findings (preparation of reports, presentations to stakeholders). The postdoctoral fellow will mentor graduate students on the project, and will be encouraged to co-author publications and also develop independent lines of inquiry and publications from the work.

An earned doctoral degree in education policy, sociology, or a related social science field is required, as is a developing record of relevant publications. The successful candidate should have excellent qualitative data analysis skills, including experience working with qualitative coding software, extensive experience and excellent knowledge of education policy, and an interest in desegregation or housing policy. Other preferred skills include strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, Expertise in social network analysis is especially desired, as is experience working on mixed-methods research teams.

Applicants should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, example of a recent publication or writing sample (e.g., journal manuscript, manuscript in preparation), and the names and email addresses for three references deeply familiar with the candidate’s skills and record. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure consideration, please submit materials by June 1, 2024. The position is anticipated to begin as soon as August 1, 2024. The position can be in-person in Los Angeles or remote/virtual, but the candidate will be expected to travel for field work and to present research.

This is a one-year position with an annual base salary of $66,737. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.