Postdoctoral Fellow, Educating Character Initiative

Wake Forest University • Winston-Salem, NC

7d

About The Position

Wake Forest University invites applications for two postdoctoral research fellowships with the Educating Character Initiative (ECI), housed within the Program for Leadership and Character. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027. Fellows will join the ECI research team to study character development in higher education, including the nature and assessment of character, predictors and outcomes of character development, and how higher education stakeholders view intentional efforts to promote students’ character development. Candidates from any discipline relevant to character, virtue, moral and intellectual development, and/or higher education research are welcome.

The successful candidate will coauthor scholarly papers using existing datasets and help coordinate the Communities of Character Study. This study has a qualitative phase involving interviews with students, staff, and faculty at selected colleges and universities, followed by a quantitative phase involving a longitudinal survey of college students and peers not enrolled in higher education. The project examines how communities inside and outside formal educational settings shape individuals’ character development.

The positions are available on a one-year contractual basis, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. Candidates seeking remote work will be considered, subject to University review and approval. The position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University.

Applicants must submit a cover letter detailing relevant expertise and interest, a curriculum vitae, a scholarly writing sample or published article, and at least three professional references, including at least one current or former supervisor. Application review begins January 22, 2027, and the position remains open until filled.

Requirements

• PhD by the start date in Psychology, Sociology, Education, or another social science discipline.
• Strong quantitative research skills, including survey methodology, statistical modeling, and analysis of large or multilevel datasets, focused on character, virtue, moral development, higher education, and/or related areas.
• Demonstrated ability to write for peer-reviewed academic publication, evidenced by a strong publication record.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication, scientific writing, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cooperative team setting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with qualitative research methods, including interview design, coding, and thematic analysis.
• Experience designing or fielding original survey instruments.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage competing demands, work efficiently, and deliver high-quality work by deadlines.
• Openness to feedback and commitment to personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Coauthor journal articles and conference papers with other members of the ECI research team.
• Contribute, as applicable, to the qualitative phase of the Communities of Character Study.
• Help design and conduct the quantitative phase of the Communities of Character Study.
• Support technical proposal preparation for developing new projects and securing grant funding.
• Perform assigned tasks under minimal supervision and take responsibility for their own work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree