Postdoctoral Fellow, Educating Character Initiative

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Job Description Summary

Wake Forest University invites applications for two postdoctoral research fellowships with the Educating Character Initiative (ECI), housed within the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.

The postdoctoral fellow will join the ECI research team to study character development in higher education. Our team investigates questions about the nature of character and how this can be assessed, predictors and outcomes of character development, and how higher education stakeholders view intentional efforts to promote students’ character development. We welcome applications from candidates with expertise in any discipline relevant to research related to character, virtue, moral and intellectual development and/or higher education.

The successful candidate will coauthor scholarly papers using several existing datasets and help coordinate a new data collection project, the Communities of Character Study.

Communities of Character includes two phases: an initial, qualitative phase, involving interviews with students, staff, and faculty at a select group of colleges and universities, and a second, quantitative phase involving a longitudinal survey of college students and peers who are not enrolled in higher education. The overarching aim of the project is to study how communities both inside and outside of formal educational settings shape individuals’ character development.

These positions are available on a one-year contractual basis, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding. Candidates who wish to work remotely will be considered, subject to University review and approval. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

To apply, please provide (1) a cover letter detailing your relevant expertise and interest in the position, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a scholarly writing sample or published article; and (4) a list of at least three professional references, including at least one current or former supervisor.

Review of applications will begin January 22, 2027, and the position will remain open until filled.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Coauthor journal articles and conference papers with other members of the ECI research team
• Contribute, as applicable, to the qualitative phase of the Communities of Character Study
• Help design and conduct the quantitative phase of the Communities of Character Study
• Support technical proposal preparation for developing new projects and securing grant funding

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• PhD (by start date) in Psychology, Sociology, Education, or another social science discipline
• Strong quantitative research skills, including survey methodology, statistical modeling, and analysis of large or multi-level datasets, with a focus on character, virtue, moral development, higher education, and/or related areas
• Demonstrated ability to write for peer-reviewed academic publication, evidenced by a strong publication record
• Outstanding skills in interpersonal communication, scientific writing, and effective time management
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cooperative team setting

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Experience with qualitative research methods, including interview design, coding, and thematic analysis
• Experience designing or fielding original survey instruments
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to juggle competing demands, work efficiently, and deliver high quality work while adhering to deadlines
• Openness to feedback and a commitment to personal and professional growth

Accountabilities:

• Report to Managing Director, Communities of Impact
• Work under Research team direction
• Perform tasks under minimal supervision
• Responsible for their own work

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting and standing
• Some travel may be required

Environmental Conditions:

• No adverse environmental conditions expected

For additional information, please contact ECI@wfu.edu.

About Wake Forest University and ECI:

Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational institution dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts, graduate and professional education. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the University has an institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world, as indicated by the motto Pro Humanitate (for humanity), which encourages students to develop the qualities of human character needed to serve humanity. With the aim to educate the whole person, the University has established an innovative Program for Leadership and Character that plans creative, liberal arts-based programming to help students develop the virtues of character needed to lead in an increasingly complex world.

The Educating Character Initiative (ECI) seeks to catalyze a movement for character education at colleges and universities across the United States. Through our work in grantmaking, collective learning, and community engagement, we equip institutions of higher education with the funding, resources, and support necessary to integrate character into their distinctive institutional contexts, curricula, and cultures. Our broad aspiration is to enable institutions of higher education to become communities of character that form students, staff, and faculty to act with character and for the common good.

For quick facts about the University, see http://www.wfu.edu/visitors/quickfacts.html.

For more on the Program for Leadership and Character, see https://leadershipandcharacter.wfu.edu/.

For more on the ECI, see https://leadershipandcharacter.wfu.edu/eci/.

Disclaimer:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by the employee’s supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final candidates being considered for employment. 

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact askHR@wfu.edu.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.  

 

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.