Postdoctoral Fellow

Posting Details

Position Details

Title Postdoctoral Fellow Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Psychological & Brain Sciences Location Bloomington Position Summary

Postdoctoral Fellow

Change Lab / Dr. Benjamin Motz

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Indiana University Bloomington

In the Change Lab (PI: Benjamin Motz) at Indiana University Bloomington, we study learning in context. Our research examines mechanisms of human learning, the conceptual structure of human knowledge, how people communicate expertise, and effective strategies when trying to build new knowledge. Our work emphasizes real-world learning materials, learning situations, and learning influences, and we explore innovative ways to bring rigorous experimental research methods and analyses to education environments. One such innovation is Terracotta (https://terracotta.education), a plugin to the learning management system that makes it easy to conduct experimental research studies in real course sites. We invite applications for a postdoctoral fellow to conduct and support research in Terracotta. This is a one-year appointment.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct embedded experimental research in real college classes using Terracotta
• Support the creation of a network of teachers at institutions where Terracotta is integrated (think Prolific, but for education research)
• Analyze data and present findings
• Collaborate with teachers and team members

Qualifications:

Required:

• PhD in Psychology, Educational Psychology, Cognitive Science, or related field
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Expertise in statistics and data management (using R)

Preferred:

• Experience designing web-based behavioral experiments
• Promising publication record
• Interests in improving education through psychological science

The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026, but this is flexible.

Interested individuals should apply at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/32421 by submitting a cover letter, CV, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for at least 2 references. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. For best consideration, apply by April 15, 2026. Please contact Jalyn Medley at jalymedl@iu.edu if you have any questions.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology, Educational Psychology, Cognitive Science, or related field
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Expertise in statistics and data management (using R)

Department Contact for Questions

Jalyn Medley at jalymedl@iu.edu

Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date 04/15/2026 Expected Start Date 08/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101511-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application
• Statement of Research and Teaching
• List Of References

Optional Documents