Postdoctoral Scholar-Research Associate

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$73,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Motivation and Education Research Group at the University of Southern California, collaborating with researchers at the University of Michigan, Texas State University, and Arizona State University, is seeking a postdoctoral research scholar for an NIH-funded study. The research examines the effectiveness of an intervention designed to promote agency among diverse college students in introductory courses required for biomedical science majors. The appointment is expected to start approximately in April 2027. The project is in its fourth year and is focused on longitudinal follow-up data collection, analysis, and report writing. The scholar will work closely with the project principal investigators on research design, implementation, and analysis. Duties include intervention development, data management, supervision of graduate and undergraduate research assistants, analysis, and dissemination. At this stage, the role emphasizes data analysis, dissemination, and project management, including coordination with the PIs, grants administration, research team members, and participants to support smooth, NIH-policy-compliant completion of the project. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment, with possible renewal depending on the availability of a no-cost extension. The salary range is $73,000–$80,000, with benefits; salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.

Requirements

Completed PhD in educational psychology, psychology, education, quantitative methods, or a related field.
Experience with multilevel modeling is required.
Training and research experience in motivation interventions targeting STEM college student beliefs and behavior, longitudinal research, and advanced quantitative research methods are strongly encouraged.

Nice To Haves

Project management experience.

Responsibilities

Contribute to research design, implementation, and analysis.
Assist with intervention development and data management.
Supervise graduate and undergraduate research assistants.
Conduct analysis and contribute to dissemination and report writing.
Manage project activities and coordinate with the PIs, grants administration office, research team members, and research participants.
Help ensure the final project stages run smoothly and comply with NIH policies.
Support longitudinal follow-up data collection.