Postdoctoral Research Associate

Dr. Rick Olenchak is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a project funded by the US Department of Education (Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program). Project goals are: (1) To implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the of a model for identification of and provision of services to gifted and talented students who may not be identified through traditional assessment methods, thus promoting equity in access to opportunities; (2) To design and deliver training for educators in use of the model to identify traditionally underrepresented students, including those with disabilities, for gifted education services; (3) To identify and provide gifted education services to students with disabilities and others who are typically overlooked in traditional identification procedures, using empirically defined positive psychology traits and hope in a dynamic assessment approach to identification; and (4) To facilitate nationwide adoption and implementation of the project model through dissemination of research, support materials, training, and positive psychology modules.

Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work with the Project Director and his team to:

• design and conduct professional development training for educators in the partner schools, which will include traveling to the schools and designing online modules design and train educators to implement the project curricula assist educators and school personnel in the implementation of the intervention assist with data collection and analysis develop project yearly reports and other deliverables identify, plan, and publish original scholarly communication related to the project goals in collaboration with the Project Director and his team

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Education, Educational Psychology, Psychology, Gifted Education, or related area completed by the start of employment Strong research and analytic skills Strong written and verbal communication skills Experience conducting research and disseminating results

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to work collaboratively with a research team Knowledge of gifted education and/or positive psychology Experience developing or implementing educational interventions in schools or out-of-school programs Experience designing and conducting mixed-methods research studies

Purdue University’s College of Education and the Department of Educational Studies is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including scholarship, instruction, and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in a separate Diversity and Inclusion Statement indicating their past experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion.

Free and Open Inquiry

Purdue University, the College of Education and the Department of Educational Studies are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry and academic freedom.

Additional Information

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• Negotiable work site arrangements are possible in this position
• Twelve-month position with University vacations observed and additional earned time off

Salary

Salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience

Starting Date

The starting date is negotiable, but preferred start is no later than December 1, 2022

Application Procedure

Applications must include a) a cover letter that describes your interests and alignment with the position, b) a current curriculum vitae, c) a diversity and inclusion statement, d) a scholarly writing sample, and d) a list of contact information for three references. All materials must be submitted through Success Factors, but addressed to F. Richard Olenchak, Ph.D., Department of Educational Studies, BRNG,100 N. University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907. Direct questions about the positions to Dr. Rick Olenchak at olenchak@purdue.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Background Check

A background check will be required for employment in this position.

Equal Opportunity

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.