Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Dr. Kui Xie in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education (http://education.msu.edu/cepse/) seeks a post-doctoral research associate to join in a multi-disciplinarily team to support several externally funded projects including an IES funded project and an EIR project focusing on students’ motivation and engagement in science learning in elementary and middle schools. The team is interested in exploring the in-situ nature of motivation and engagement through experience-sampling methodology and data analytics. The team is also interested in exploring how technology including artificial intelligence may support students’ motivation and engagement in learning. The initial appointment of this position is for one year (12 months), with annual renewal expected for one year contingent upon satisfactory performance.

The post-doctoral research associate will engage in project management, research design, planning, data collection, preparing data sets for open access, and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Importantly, the post-doctoral research associate is expected to contribute to the development and design of new research projects; participate in a program of grant writing; develop materials that support the translation and application of research to practice; contribute to papers submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals; and develop presentations for conferences. Additional responsibilities may include managing lab activities and engaging with school partners.

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 -educational psychology, learning sciences, curriculum and instruction, educational technology

Minimum Requirements

Earned doctoral degree from an accredited university in educational psychology, learning sciences, curriculum and instruction, educational technology, or a related field before the starting date of the position. ABD candidates will be considered if evidence is provided that the doctoral degree will be completed prior to the start of the appointment.

Candidates must have considerable prior experience in working with K-12 schools and have research interests in examining students’ motivation, engagement and/or other social-emotional factors.

Desired Qualifications

Strong candidates shall have experience with advanced quantitative analyses; experience with experience-sampling method, learning analytics, or other intensive longitudinal methods; experience with school-based translational research working with K-12 school stakeholders.

Required Application Materials

(1) cover letter detailing qualifications for the position (2) curriculum vitae, (3) graduate school transcript, (4) up to three representative publications, and (5) names and contact for three references.

Special Instructions

Please submit all application online at careers.msu.edu by March 25 . Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Late submissions will be considered if suitable candidates are not identified by the deadline. If you have questions about the position, please contact Kui Xie (xiekui@msu.edu). 

Review of Applications Begins On

03/25/2025

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.