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We are seeking applicants for a full-time, on site, postdoctoral position in the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine to support a NICHD-funded research agenda aimed at understanding the impacts of state early childhood policy investments on child, family, and societal well-being.

Project overview & general summary of the position
The postdoctoral scholar would work directly under the supervision of Jade Jenkins at UCI, as well as the project Co-PIs, Tyler Watts (Teachers College, Columbia University) and Ken Dodge (Duke University). The project will examine whether variations in public pre-k investments by the 50 states across the past two decades are associated with better child health, stronger academic achievement, and key family outcomes. The postdoctoral scholar will lead the assembly of a state-by-year national dataset that integrates pre-k funding levels, pre-k program features, state policies, and child and family outcomes. The scholar would execute analyses and author manuscripts related to early childhood policy. The project aims are to understand: (1) whether state-level investments in public pre-k over the past 20 years impact child and family outcomes, (2) whether pre-k investments promote equity in child and family well-being across race, ethnic, and income groups, and (3) which features of state pre-k programs are associated with differential impacts of state preschool investments. The scholar would also be expected to mentor graduate students and present work at annual consortium meetings and relevant academic conferences..

We hope to find a scholar who is interested in a career as an independent scientist studying early childhood education policy and development. Toward that goal, we will support the scholar’s career development, authorship of manuscripts, and growing independence.

The position would be for two-years, with a possible 1-year extension. The position will begin in 2025, with the exact start date contingent on the availability of the applicant.

Pay Scale: $66,737-$80,034 annually

Minimum qualifications:

• Ph.D. in any discipline related to child development, public policy, economics, or education, conferred by start date or within 6 months of start date

Preferable qualifications:
● Strong skills in quantitative data management
● Strong skills in quantitative research methods and analysis
● Record of publication related to child development, public policy, economics, or education

To Apply: Applications should be submitted online at. https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09294. Please include: (a) a cover letter (2 pages maximum) explaining your relevant background, interest in this project, and your career goals following postdoctoral work, (b) CV, (c) one page summary of your doctoral dissertation, (d) one writing sample, and (e) names and contact information of three references (please do not solicit letters)

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.