Open Faculty and Post-Doc Positions

Research Associate Openings in Applied Educational and Social Research

Applications are being accepted for two Research Associate positions at the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education (GSE) and School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) to work on applied research projects for at risk populations. The positions are non-tenured faculty appointments made by the school's deans.  They are one year appointments from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010, with the possibility for extension, given future funding and programmatic developments.  Candidates should have a doctorate in education, psychology, sociology, child welfare, or policy (social or educational) and experience in research design, analysis and management. 

The GSE position focuses on early childhood and primary school age populations (children ages 0-8) with special emphasis on economically disadvantaged children and families and school-based intervention. Applicants need demonstrated experience in conducting applied research in public schools (pre-school or K-12) or with municipal service agencies.  Research projects will include the examination of the impact of risk and protection across first, second, and third grades; and the development and expansion of an evidence-based integrated pre-school program.

The SP2 position centers on youth, adults and families involved in multiple municipal service systems, such as child welfare, family court, and the homeless shelter system.  Candidates must have experience in housing and/or homelessness research and/or research on service models for adults with special needs, especially in behavioral health.  Research projects will include evaluations of innovations in program and policy targeting adults, families and veterans who are homeless.

Applicants with the following areas of expertise are strongly encouraged to apply:

  • Interdisciplinary research
  • Large-scale multivariate, longitudinal research, including experience in developing & managing large datasets
  • Mixed methods research designs
  • Advanced statistical methods 
  • Experience in grant writing
  • Published research
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills

In addition to participating in new and ongoing research projects, Research Associates will receive mentoring and career development support from Principal Investigators Dr. John Fantuzzo (GSE) and Dr. Dennis Culhane (SP2) who are developing a center in social and educational research policy.

Please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, publications, and three references (names and contact information) to

Nora Hunt-Johnson
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
3700 Walnut Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6216
huntjohn@gse.upenn.edu