Postdoctoral Research Fellow (ASCEND Initiative)

Prairie View A&M University • Prairie View, TX

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Prairie View A&M University Postdoctoral Research Fellow will support the ASCEND Initiative, a collaborative effort with Yale University focused on faculty development and institutional transformation in higher education. This two-year, full-time appointment runs from June 1, 2026, through May 30, 2028, and is designed for an emerging scholar seeking to build a strong applied research portfolio on institutional collaborations in higher education. The postdoctoral fellow will play a central role in evaluating and documenting the impact of ASCEND through rigorous research, reporting, and dissemination. The position includes responsibilities in research and evaluation, collaboration and stakeholder engagement, and teaching. During the Fall and Spring semesters, time is typically allocated across research and ASCEND Initiative activities, teaching responsibilities, and reporting, collaboration, and professional development. During the summer months (June through July), the full 40-hour workweek is dedicated exclusively to research-related activities. This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding. The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Education or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in research design and methodology.
• Strong scholarly writing skills with evidence of publication or clear potential for publication.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with program evaluation, faculty development initiatives, or higher education research.
• Experience working on multi-institutional projects.
• Record of conference presentations or publications.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in education and student success.

Responsibilities

• Support research activities associated with the ASCEND Initiative, including study design, data collection, management, and analysis using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches.
• Collect, manage, and analyze data to assess program effectiveness and outcomes.
• Prepare comprehensive annual reports documenting initiative progress, impact, and key findings.
• Develop manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, policy briefs, and institutional reports.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to dissemination strategies that highlight the impact and outcomes of the initiative.
• Collaborate closely with partners at Prairie View A&M University and Yale University to ensure alignment of research goals and deliverables.
• Engage with faculty participants and program stakeholders to support data collection efforts and continuous improvement processes.
• Contribute to strategic discussions about scaling and sustaining ASCEND outcomes across institutional contexts.
• Teach one 3-credit course during the Fall semester and one 3-credit course during the Spring semester at Prairie View A&M University.
• Develop course materials, facilitate instruction, maintain office hours, and support student learning through research-informed pedagogical practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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