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Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Social Networks

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Teaching, Learning And Culture (Tlac)

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

What We Want

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will support research related to the social networks of rural science teachers by analyzing and interpreting data from social network surveys, carrying out interviews with participants, and preparing and delivering manuscripts and academic presentations. This position will also mentor graduate and/or undergraduate students engaged in similar work.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

Other Requirements and Factors: Occasional travel to research sites in Utah may be required up to five times per year.

Essential Duties/Tasks

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Analyzing quantitative social network analysis data and qualitative interview data to better characterize the professional networks of rural science teachers. Tasks may include data cleaning and management, choosing appropriate analytical strategies depending on the research questions and properties of the data, and analysis using UCINET software or coding in R.

Writing and Presentation Development

Synthesizing data from multiple sources to communicate findings via written, visual (i.e. sociograms), and multimedia displays for use in academic presentations and publications. Translating social network data into sociograms that clearly organize and communicate the properties of the network and any changes that have taken place over time.

Mentoring

Working with graduate and/or undergraduate students to support both the progress of the work and the growth of the individual student. Coordinating task management to ensure progress, providing support for research activities as an experienced colleague, and reading and providing feedback on writing.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

+ Doctorate degree in Science Education, Educational Psychology, Curriculum & Instruction, or a closely related field.

+ No required experience.

Required Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

+ Working knowledge of social network theory and analysis, experience with thematic qualitative analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Familiarity or training with UCINET software and/or R applied to social network analysis.

Who We Are

Teaching, Learning and Culture (TLAC)

The Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture (TLAC) encompasses students, faculty, and staff whose efforts and interests center on the many different aspects of academics, teaching and classroom education. One of four departments in the College of Education and Human Development, TLAC is currently home to over 1200 undergraduate students, about 400 graduate students, 47 faculty members and 26 staff members. Our mission is to create experiences that advance teaching, research, and service through the application of knowledge in the preparation and development of quality educators, placing high value on collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, democratic governance, and global leadership. To learn more, visit our website: https://tlac.tamu.edu/

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

+ Medical, (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/medical/) prescription drug, dental, (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/dental/) vision, life and AD&D, (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/life-add/) flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/long-term-disability/) with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

+ 12-15 days (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/index.html) of annual paid holidays

+ Up to eight hours of paid sick leave (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/sick.html)  and at least eight hours of paid vacation (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/vacation.html)  each month

+ Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (https://www.trs.texas.gov/Pages/Homepage.aspx)

+ Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time (https://flourish.tamu.edu/wellness-release-time/)

+ Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning (https://linkedinlearning.tamu.edu/)  training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

+ Educational release time and tuition assistance (https://livingwell.tamu.edu/employee-tuition-assistance)  for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

+ Living Well, (https://livingwell.tamu.edu/) a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values (https://www.tamu.edu/about/coreValues.html) which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.