Postdoctoral Fellow, Research & Assessment

Wake Forest University • Winston-Salem, NC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University is seeking a creative and committed Postdoctoral Research Fellow with expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis to advance research and evaluation into character education in higher education. To support the resource creation for an expanding network of character educators, the postdoctoral fellow will work closely with the Senior Research Scholar to conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis on several research projects exploring the impact of character education initiatives within the university context. As part of a new grant funded by the John Templeton Foundation, this position will help to produce resources for institutions through developing measurement resources, including validation of new or context-adapted measures, publishing articles that demonstrate the impact of intentional character education efforts in higher education, and contributing to the field in a variety of ways that help equip other institutions in their efforts. We are particularly interested in those with expertise in research methods pertaining to repeated measures quasi-experimental research studies and who may offer innovative ways to assess the impact of applied programming. The postdoctoral fellow will be involved in a variety of tasks, including conducting research related to leadership and character, designing and conducting empirical studies related to interventions including hypothesis testing, creating reports for internal feedback loops, and preparing manuscripts for publication. We welcome applications from scholars with expertise in the empirical assessment of character, moral education, moral personality, or related topics who have strong methodological experience assessing interventions or evaluating programs. Evidence of mixed-methods (i.e., quantitative and qualitative) empirical research skills is required. The postdoctoral fellow will work with an interdisciplinary research team publishing innovative and potentially transformative research and resources on cultivating character and leadership in a university context. The grant-funded postdoctoral role will be for a two-year term. To apply, please provide 1) a cover letter detailing your relevant expertise and interest in the position, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a one-page statement describing your approach to empirical research and assessment; 4) a scholarly writing sample or published article; and 5) a list of at least three professional or scholarly references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Applications submitted by April 30, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Candidates who wish to work remotely will be considered.

Requirements

• Ph.D. and record of publication in a relevant academic discipline (e.g., education, psychology, or other social sciences).
• Experience designing research or assessment plans and/or measures.
• Expertise in mixed-method research design and data analysis.
• Exceptional written, oral, and visual communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills, with accuracy and attention to detail, the ability to juggle competing demands, work efficiently, and deliver high-quality work while adhering to deadlines.
• Familiarity with institutional review board (IRB) policies and procedures
• Ability to use statistical software (e.g., SPSS, or R) to direct and conduct the analysis and reporting of quantitative data.
• Experience with survey and database software used to collect and manage data (e.g., Qualtrics).
• Good character, sound judgment, and a strong work ethic.
• Commitment to supporting the moral and intellectual development of college and university students.
• Commitment to the mission and vision of the Program for Leadership and Character , and a desire to contribute to its work
• Strong sense of teamwork and collegiality.
• Ability to work effectively with a hybrid team.
• Demonstrated ability to: Design, manage, and coordinate multiple research studies simultaneously.
• Publish rigorous academic research in respected journals and publications.
• Conduct projects and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate with program staff, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants to successfully conduct, analyze, and disseminate co-authored research.
• Collect, analyze, and manage complex datasets.
• Develop short- and long-term research and assessment goals.
• Set priorities and effectively manage time and resources.
• Exercise discretion and keep sensitive information confidential.
• Positively influence colleagues and develop collaborative relationships with a wide range of people.
• Willingness to learn more about leadership and character development and apply that knowledge to inform program design, implementation, and assessment.
• Knowledge and understanding of academic cultures, rules, and regulations.
• Openness to feedback and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
• Ability to represent the program and University in a professional manner.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with empirical research on personality, character, and/or morality
• Extensive knowledge of character education, character interventions, and/or character assessment.
• Experience securing external funding through public or private grants.
• Experience working collaboratively with a wide range of constituencies, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Responsibilities

• Will report to, and work closely with, the Senior Research Scholar and the Research Program Manager to design and analyze multiple research studies related to leadership and character development in the university context.
• Conceptualize innovative and creative ways to measure and evaluate key constructs and facets related to leadership and character.
• Conduct evaluation and assessment of relevant courses and programming in a university context.
• Conduct a range of quantitative analyses, such as multilevel modeling, psychometric validation analyses and nonparametric approaches.
• Conduct a range of qualitative analysis, such as thematic, interpretative phenomenological, or content analysis.
• Search pertinent scientific literature as needed.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in relevant academic journals and books and lead scholarly paper writing on character and leadership growth in students, basic knowledge about virtue, and new measures.
• Communicate findings and recommendations through oral and written reports for facilitators of programming.
• Facilitate research and assessment workshops for conferences, convenings, and other institutions, as needed, to support leadership and character outreach and engagement.
• Assist with writing, coordinating, and managing research components of major grants.
• Assist with research-related strategic communication and planning, grant administration and program development as needed.
• Performs other duties as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees