Post-doctoral Research Associate - Educational Measurement and Statistics- UTK

We seek a postdoctoral scholar to support the preparation and analysis of datasets. The scholar will have opportunities to contribute to the TRRC’s goal of strengthening causal inferences while developing a range of skills in educational measurement and statistics. Current projects involve propensity score weighting, growth curve modeling, longitudinal data analysis, and meta-analysis. The work also might involve structural equation modeling (SEM), factor analysis, and item response theory.

The project is based in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, a leading educational research institution, located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The position includes opportunities to produce peer-reviewed journal articles and contribute to the development of evidence-based educational practices. Depending upon the productivity of the scholar, there are possibilities for presenting at national conferences.

• Clean and harmonize complex educational datasets.
• Conduct analyses to determine the effectiveness of interventions using techniques such as propensity score weighting, multilevel modeling, and meta-analysis.
• Conduct analyses to validate educational assessments using techniques such as structural equation modeling (SEM), factor analysis, and item response theory.
• Support data management on externally funded grants and contracts.
• Collaborate on peer-reviewed journal articles.

Required Qualifications

• A completed doctoral degree (at least 10 days prior to the first day of work) in educational measurement and statistics, educational psychology, statistics, or a related field.
• Experience working with large and complex datasets.
• Experience conducting systematic reviews of the literature.
• Proficiency in statistical methods, particularly in modeling outcomes for multilevel and longitudinal data.
• Advanced knowledge of R or other statistical software (e.g., Mplus, Python).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex statistical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with causal inference methods, including propensity score weighting and Bayesian statistics.
• Expertise with educational measurement development and validation, including multilevel item response theory (IRT) modeling, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM).
• A record of scholarly publications and presentations.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $62,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing sample
• List of 3 Professional References

To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before August 20, 2025. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

About The College/Department/Division

The Tennessee Reading Research Center (TRRC) was formed as a partnership between the Tennessee Department of Education and the University of Tennessee System with the charge to become a leader in literacy. Under externally funded contracts, the TRRC is conducting evaluations of literacy initiatives implemented at scale and research studies aimed at identifying effective literacy instructional practices and instruments for evaluating outcomes. The projects are led by Professor and Director Dr. Deborah K Reed and a team of professionals with a variety of expertise. The TRRC works in collaboration with external stakeholders including other universities, state education agencies, community organizations, and school districts.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!