Director of Research and Clinical Practice

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Falk Laboratory School, a co-educational K-8 laboratory school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, seeks a full-time, experienced Director of Research and Clinical Practice, beginning July 1st, 2026.

Falk Laboratory School | University of Pittsburgh School of Education

The Director of Research is the strategic leader responsible for fulfilling Falk Laboratory School''s mission as a "living laboratory" where research is inextricably linked with progressive teaching, learning, and educational innovation. This role is dedicated to strategically growing Falk''s research mission by expanding outreach, fostering deep collaborations across the university and other educational institutions, and increasing the school''s scholarly presence in global research spheres.

Strategic Leadership and Growth

The Director of Research acts as a steward for inquiry, knowledge, and collaborative learning, moving beyond coordination to serve as a connector and partner.

• Strategic Outreach: Expand Falk''s research collaborations with the University of Pittsburgh School of Education (SOE), other university departments, and external educational organizations.
• Scholarly Presence: Lead the school''s publication efforts and enhance its scholarly presence in educational research spheres, both locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Mission Alignment: Center research on fostering equitable educational opportunities that honor student identities and strengths.
• Knowledge Production: Position teachers, students, and families as active producers of knowledge rather than just subjects of study.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Outreach and Collaboration

• Inter-Institutional Bridge: Facilitate deep dialogue and collaboration between the SOE, the broader University, and external educational organizations.
• Community Engagement: Connect school-based research to diverse audiences, including families, staff, and peer institutions.
• Partnership Development: Identify and cultivate research pairs and sustained collaborations between university researchers and Falk faculty.

2. Scholarship and Publication

• Research Frameworks: Design and manage the protocols and frameworks for all research studies to ensure clarity of goals and ethical engagement.
• Knowledge Production: Increase the school''s scholarly visibility by supporting the publication of findings and sharing models of collaborative education.
• Annual Research Symposium: Lead and facilitate a mandatory annual spring symposium at Falk to share "works in progress" and ignite new scholarly connections.

3. Research Support and Mentorship

• Classroom-Based Inquiry: Provide sustained support for teachers investigating their own practice through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
• Direct Assistance: Offer "on-the-ground" help, which may include data collection, analysis, or providing classroom coverage to allow teachers to engage in research.
• Committee Expertise: Provide specialized expertise to the Falk Research Committee regarding research design and equity-oriented inquiry.

4. Clinical Practice and Preservice Coordination

• Placement Facilitation: Manage and oversee the placement process for all preservice candidates, matching university students with Falk mentors to ensure high-quality clinical experiences.
• Orientation and Induction: Design and lead orientation programs for preservice teachers to ground them in the laboratory school''s philosophy, "living laboratory" model, and school-specific protocols.
• Programmatic Oversight: Monitor the progress of preservice cohorts and collaborate with university supervisors to ensure student teachers are meeting both university requirements and Falk''s standards for excellence.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Experience: Proven research experience, specifically within school-based settings.
• Methodological Expertise: Must be highly experienced in Improvement Science or Continuous Improvement research methodologies.
• Clinical Supervision: Experience in teacher education, mentoring, or the supervision of student teachers is highly preferred.
• Education/Background: Ability to bridge the different language and intellectual frameworks used by university scholars and K-8 practitioners.

Position Logistics

• Appointment: Full-time, 12-month, non-tenure stream Falk faculty position.
• Reporting: Reports directly to the Director of Falk Laboratory School.

Application Requirements

For full consideration, applicants should submit:

1. Letter of application

2. Resume/CV

3. Educational philosophy statement

4. Three letters of recommendation

Salary & Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience. Falk Laboratory School, a department in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, offers excellent benefits. Questions can be sent to Molly Hicks, Director of Administrative Operations, at meh479@pitt.edu.

Application Timeline & Contact

Applications will be reviewed beginning in mid-May and will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. Offer of employment is contingent on the candidate satisfactorily obtaining and passing the following before commencement of appointment: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check. Candidates must also submit proof of a negative TB test before their first day of work. As Act 168 of 2014 requires, the Candidate must satisfy the requirements on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release Form.

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The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

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