Job Description Summary
The Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) at Auburn University, through a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Office of Family Assistance (OFA), is seeking candidates for one or two Postdoctoral Fellow positions to support the work of the Alabama Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education Initiative (AHMREI). AHMREI provides high-quality relationship education programming through two funded projects to couples in the community and youth in high schools while simultaneously rigorously evaluating program effectiveness and testing implementation science research questions. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators, this individual will be engaged in a variety of research-related activities (e.g., data management, multiple imputation, analyses and interpretation) with an emphasis on the production of final academic research reports required by the funder, manuscripts using current and previously collected data, conference presentations, as well as translational research reports for community stakeholders (e.g., past participants, community partners). Additionally, this individual may help design and lead focus groups with community participants and partners, synthesizing results for internal quality monitoring, as well as for enhancing quantitative research results interpretation, and ensuring a participatory action approach.
This is a one-year limited term appointment; continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funding and job performance.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
The Postdoctoral Fellow will work collaboratively with the AHMREI research team to implement the approved research plans and write reports and manuscripts utilizing an advanced level of social science research knowledge, including quantitative and qualitative analyses, and excellent writing skills, including conveying ideas, writing structure, and grammar. The Postdoctoral Fellow will apply critical thinking skills, particularly synthesizing a body of research to identify broader themes and convey these themes through written research reports. The Postdoctoral Fellow will also be involved in research presentations and provide additional mentorship for student research assistants.
Minimum Qualifications
Entry into the applicant pool requires a doctoral degree from an accredited institution in Human Development and Family Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or a related discipline at the time employment begins. Doctoral candidates who anticipate graduation in August 2024 are also eligible to apply but must complete all degree requirements prior to beginning employment. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment. Candidates must demonstrate excellent written and interpersonal communication skills and be proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and common statistical programs (e.g., SPSS, Mplus).
This position requires advanced research experience including research literacy and writing experience, as well as advanced statistical and research methods. Candidates must be able to run and interpret statistical models, aid in the writing of reports and manuscripts, critically evaluate individual studies and bodies of literature, and translate research into everyday language to explain scientific findings to audiences without a research background. Experience with observational coding systems is desirable but not required; this individual may help to create and validate an observational coding system along with other responsibilities.
Strong candidates will demonstrate: (1) a history of independent skills in writing and leading peer-reviewed publications, (2) in-depth knowledge and direct application of advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses, (3) an applied program of research, particularly in the area of relationship science (4) skills in collaborating on productive research teams, and (5) attention to and experience with research methods that value diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Desired Qualifications
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please provide a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, the names and email addresses of three individuals to serve as professional references, and two writing samples, preferably first author peer-reviewed publications, when possible.
Only complete application materials will be considered. Review of applications will begin on March 30, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable with an aim for Summer or Fall 2024. Please direct questions to the search chair, Francesca Adler-Baeder,
adlerfr@auburn.edu.
