Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar who is skilled in quantitative research methods and has expertise in education policy, with a specific interest in policy and program evaluation. EPIC is a policy lab located within the College of Education at Michigan State University. EPIC partners with state and school district leaders to produce rigorous and objective multi-method research with consequence that strengthens evidence-based decision making for practice and policy in Michigan, with implications for historically and currently underserved students throughout the country. The EPIC team includes Dr. Madeline Mavrogordato and EPIC staff researchers, EPIC-affiliated faculty, several postdoctoral research associates, and graduate and undergraduate students. 

This position will join an interdisciplinary EPIC team conducting a mixed-methods evaluation of TeachMichigan, a state-funded initiative designed to support educator development, leadership, and retention. The broader study, now in its third year, combines interviews with participants and district leaders, biannual participant surveys, and linked state administrative data to examine both program implementation and outcomes, including educator retention and mobility as well as student outcomes. The Postdoctoral Scholar will primarily support the quantitative components of this work, contributing to the preparation of analytic datasets, conducting descriptive and multivariate analyses, and helping to develop research designs for estimating program impacts. This work will be conducted as part of an established collaborative team led by principal investigators including Dr. Madeline Mavrogordato, EPIC’s faculty director, and Dr. Jane Arnold Lincove (University of Maryland, Baltimore County), who leads the quantitative components of the study.

In this role, the Postdoctoral Scholar will work with linked administrative and survey data, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and policy-facing research products, and present findings to academic, practitioner, and policymaker audiences. The position is well suited for a scholar interested in applied quantitative research on teacher labor markets and educator workforce policy in a collaborative, policy-engaged research environment.

In addition to their work on TeachMichigan, the Postdoctoral Scholar may also contribute to EPIC’s broader research portfolio focused on teacher labor markets and educator workforce policy. The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to scholarly manuscripts, conference presentations, and policy-facing research products, and to develop an independent line of inquiry aligned with EPIC’s focus areas.

This is a full-time (100%), fixed-term position beginning July 1, 2026 (start date flexible), with an expected two-year duration. Renewal beyond the initial period is possible as funding permits. The position is primarily office-based (2-3 days per week), with the possibility of a hybrid schedule consistent with center and project needs.

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, public policy, economics, sociology, or a related field

Minimum Requirements

-Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in education, public policy, economics, sociology, or a related field completed by the start date.
-Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous quantitative research and contribute to scholarly writing.
-Experience working with large administrative datasets, particularly in education or workforce contexts.
-Experience conducting quantitative analyses using statistical software, Stata preferred.
-Excellent written and oral communication skills suitable for diverse audiences.
-Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based research environment and maintain productivity on complex projects with deadlines.

Desired Qualifications

-Familiarity working with survey data, including merging survey data with administrative data to analyze relationships between perceptions and behaviors/outcomes.
-Interest in teacher labor markets, educator workforce policy, or educator development and retention.
-Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings clearly across stakeholder groups (policy, practice, academic).
-Experience collaborating with external partners in applied research settings.

Required Application Materials

1) Cover letter describing research background, interest in the position, and fit with the TeachMichigan evaluation and EPIC’s mission
2) Curriculum vitae
3) Two writing samples (one scholarly/academic sample, one sample intended for policymakers or practitioners (e.g., report, brief, or applied research product)
4) Contact information for at least three references

Special Instructions

Questions can be directed to Emily Mohr at emohr@msu.edu. 

Review of Applications Begins On

03/30/2026

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

https://epicedpolicy.org/

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.