Postdoctoral Fellow, Educating Character Initiative

Wake Forest University • Winston Salem, NC

5d • Hybrid

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 at Wake Forest University. The postdoctoral fellow will join the ECI research team to study character development in higher education. Our team investigates questions about the nature of character and how this can be assessed, predictors and outcomes of character development, and how higher education stakeholders view intentional efforts to promote students’ character development. The successful candidate will coauthor scholarly papers using several existing datasets and help coordinate a new data collection project, the Communities of Character Study. The overarching aim of the project is to study how communities both inside and outside of formal educational settings shape individuals’ character development. These positions are available on a one-year contractual basis, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding.

Requirements

• PhD (by 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 multi-level datasets, with a focus 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 skills in interpersonal communication, scientific writing, and effective time management
• 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 juggle competing demands, work efficiently, and deliver high quality work while adhering to deadlines
• Openness to feedback and a 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

What This Job Offers

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