Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

The "AI is only as good as its users: Advancing students' informed use of AI in higher education" grant project is seeking a highly motivated, skilled postdoctoral research associate to join our research team as we collaborate with SJSU faculty, university and industry leaders to design, implement and refine a curriculum that fosters AI literacy. This multi-year project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, offers a unique opportunity to engage in design-based research while managing project activities including curriculum design, faculty professional development and project dissemination. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background, complemented by practical experience in project management and/or relevant work in university-based settings.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and collaborate on research initiatives, manage tasks from inception to completion, and ensure timely execution of project activities.
• Gather data on curriculum and faculty professional learning by collaborating with faculty, university leaders, and researchers.
• Prepare and present research findings to various audiences including academic scholars, project stakeholders, and educators.
• Monitor project progress, evaluate outcomes, and suggest improvements based on data analysis.
• Coordinate administrative support, maintain project websites and databases, and manage logistics for meetings and events.
• Communicate with project partners, assist with budget monitoring, and contribute to overall project management, including reports to funder.

Interpersonal Contacts

Reports to the project investigator (PI) and co-project investigator (Co-PI). Frequently interacts with faculty participants, key personnel, and student research assistants as well as university staff.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Assist the PI and Co-PI in overseeing student research assistants. Supervise student research assistants directly in research areas led by the postdoctoral researcher.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Required

• Ph.D. in one of the social sciences, education or learning sciences.
• Experience with AI education.
• Experience with independently carrying out qualitative and/or quantitative research projects, including data collection, cleaning, and analysis.
• Experience with IRB applications and reporting.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Proficient in qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis and research methodologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite, and statistical and/or qualitative analysis software.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated experience in overseeing research projects.
• Planning for convenings and events.

Compensation Range:

$75,000 Annually Exempt, Benefited

Benefits

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).
• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.
• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.
• 14 paid federal & state holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.
• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.
• Employee discounts.
• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

Reasonable Accommodation

The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information.

About the SJSU Research Foundation

SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San José State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization's funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities. San José State University Research Foundation is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation's continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies. San José State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability.