Postdoctoral Scholar

Illinois State • Normal, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois State University Department of Special Education is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to work with Dr. Natalie L. Shaheen on A11y in Sci (NSF grant #2334693). This blind-led project aims to improve the long-term accessibility of technology-mediated high school science education for blind and low-vision students. The project has two main aims: to investigate in-service teachers’ knowledge about constructing proactively accessible technology-mediated science classes using a mixed methods design, and to develop learning opportunities for pre- and in-service teachers on this topic. The Postdoctoral Scholar will be responsible for coordinating both the research and education activities of the project. This is a non-continuous, grant-funded position with an initial 12-month appointment, renewable for a second year based on performance and funding. The position offers an annual salary of $65,000-$70,000, along with a research and travel allowance. The role is expected to begin in Fall 2026.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in disability studies, blind/low-vision education, science education, STEM education, instructional technology, special education, or related fields (ABD considered, but terminal degree required prior to start date)
• Evidence of strong research skills in qualitative and/or mixed methods research (e.g., published work, training, mentorship)
• Strong task management skills (e.g., deconstructing complex tasks, organizing and prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Experience managing individuals, small teams, or complex projects
• Experience with common office productivity applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, maxQDA, R, etc.) and the ability to learn new software applications and simple markup languages (e.g., HTML, Markdown)

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience with disability
• Experience collaborating with and/or taking direction from disabled people
• Experience teaching disabled and/or nondisabled students in formal (i.e., PreK-12 or higher education) or informal (e.g., museums, after school programs, etc.) settings
• Expertise in digital accessibility (e.g., WCAG, 508), critical disability studies, critical digital pedagogy, or Universal Design for Learning
• A publication record in any of the following fields: disability studies, blind/low-vision education, science education, STEM education, instructional technology, or special education
• Experience using and creating content with content/learning management systems such as WordPress, Pressbooks, and Canvas
• Experience working on interdisciplinary teams

Responsibilities

• Overseeing recruitment, data collection, and data analysis
• Co-authoring manuscripts and presentations
• Designing and conducting original research that aligns with the aims of the project
• Mentoring doctoral and undergraduate research assistants
• Overseeing the iteration of a case library and case-based learning modules

Benefits

• Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
• Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
• Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
• Paid holiday / administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
• Paid benefit time
• Research allowance
• Travel allowance

What This Job Offers

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