Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Engaged Research and Evaluation Center (EREC) within Michigan State University’s University Outreach and Engagement invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher who is skilled in quantitative research methods (e.g., longitudinal and multilevel modeling, causal inference, and quasi-experimental methods) and has experience working with large-scale cross-sectional and/or longitudinal datasets. We are particularly interested in candidates interested in education policy assessment and evaluation.

EREC conducts research and evaluation examining the access, quality, and impact of programs and initiatives that serve the public good. We connect university expertise with community needs and translate research findings into accessible products for diverse audiences, including policy briefs, reports, academic publications, community presentations, webinars, interactive maps, and data dashboards.
Our interdisciplinary team includes evaluation specialists, psychometricians, and statisticians who conduct a broad range of research and evaluation activities, including participatory and qualitative inquiry, measurement development and validation, quasi-experimental studies, and advanced quantitative and mixed-methods analyses.
The Postdoctoral Researcher will join an EREC team conducting a mixed-methods evaluation of Michigan Out-of-School Time (OST) programs, including federal- and state-funded initiatives designed to expand access to high-quality learning and enrichment opportunities outside regular school hours. Working with Dr. Xuran Wang, who leads the quantitative components of the study, the Postdoctoral Researcher will be primarily responsible for preparing analytic datasets and conducting descriptive and advanced quantitative analyses as part of a collaborative research team led by principal investigator Dr. Jamie Wu.
The Postdoctoral Researcher will work with linked administrative, OST attendance, and survey data; contribute to peer-reviewed publications and policy- and practice-focused research products; and present findings to academic, practitioner, and policymaker audiences. This position is an excellent opportunity for a researcher interested in applied quantitative education research to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and policy-engaged environment.

This is a full-time (100%), fixed-term position beginning January 1, 2027.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Education, educational psychology, educational policy, or a related field.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD. in quantitative methods in education, educational psychology, educational policy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous quantitative research and contribute to scholarly writing.
• Experience working with large-scale datasets, particularly in educational contexts.
• Experience conducting quantitative analyses using R statistical software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based research environment and manage responsibilities across complex projects and deadlines.

Desired Qualifications

 Experience collaborating with external partners in applied research settings.

Required Application Materials

1. A cover letter explaining how your experience and/or background qualify you for the position.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. Two writing samples. Samples may include scholarly or academic work and/or work intended for policymakers or practitioners, such as a report, policy brief, or other applied research product.
4. Contact information for at least two professional references.

Special Instructions

Applications should be submitted via careers.msu.edu. 

For any additional posting related questions please contact Dr. Xuran Wang at wangxur1@msu.edu

Review of Applications Begins On

10/27/2026

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

erec.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.