Postdoctoral Researcher

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The Weatherton Research Lab at Louisiana State University seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead a large-scale longitudinal qualitative project exploring undergraduate resource use in STEM higher education. The postdoc will advance a mixed methods program of research focused on understanding how undergraduate students navigate and use academic resources in STEM higher education. Core activities include designing and conducting longitudinal qualitative interviews, developing interview protocols and coding frameworks, analyzing qualitative data using rigorous interpretive approaches, and integrating qualitative findings with complementary quantitative and behavioral data sources. The postdoc will help synthesize literature to inform theoretical development, coordinate participant recruitment and retention across multiple timepoints, manage IRB submissions and qualitative data workflows, maintain clear documentation of analytic procedures, and help disseminate findings through manuscripts and conference presentations.

The position offers close mentoring, opportunities to collaborate across DBER and education research networks at LSU, and support for professional development. 

Duties Include:
45% Coordinate and conduct qualitative interviews with participants

20% Perform quantitative analyses, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, to assess the reliability and validity of the survey instrument.

15% Conduct literature reviews, cognitive interviews, and focus group interviews to inform interview protocol.

15% Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and other dissemination materials related to survey development and findings.

5% Manage project activities such as IRB submissions, pilot testing, data management, and documentation of the qualitative process.

Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Biological Sciences or related.

Two years specific experience in conducting mixed methods data collection and analysis.

Strong writing skills and a record of (or strong potential for) publishing peer-reviewed research.

Job Competencies Required:
Proficient in Qualitative Interview Design and Data Collection; Qualitative Data Analysis; Longitudinal and Mixed-Methods Research Design; Research Project Management and Compliance; Data Management and Reproducibility; Scientific Writing and Dissemination; Collaboration, Mentoring, and Communication; and Technical Toolset.

Preferred Qualifications:
Background in discipline-based education research (DBER) or related fields.

Previous experience conducting qualitative interview research.

Familiarity with coding in R software.

Preferred Certifications/Licenses:
IRB / CITI certified

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Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

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